Waldichuk shines in shutout win

Reading, Penn. - The Somerset Patriots (46-29) earned their MiLB-leading 13th shutout win of the year Friday night with a 7-0 win over the Reading Fightin’ Phils (30-46) at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Ken Waldichuk (W, 4-1) led the way with six shutout frames. The lefty allowed just four hits and struck out seven, including working out of a bases-loaded jam in the second inning.

.@Ken_Waldichuk strikes out the side and strands the bases loaded in the 2nd with this 𝘯𝘢𝘴𝘵𝘪𝘯𝘦𝘴𝘴 🤙 pic.twitter.com/zT1NuinsLr

— Somerset Patriots (@SOMPatriots) July 30, 2021

Waldichuk has struck out 117 batters across two levels in 2021, which ranks as the second-most strikeouts among all pitchers in Minor League Baseball.

Ron Marinaccio and Michael Gomez held Reading off the board over the final three innings to preserve the shutout.

Offensively, Somerset got on the board early with an Aaron Palensky RBI double in the third and a Dermis Garcia (19) solo home run in the fourth.

The Patriots then opened up the game with a five-run sixth inning. RBI singles from Oswaldo Cabrera, Isiah Gilliam, and a two-run base hit from Max Burt highlighted the inning.

The Patriots and Fightin’ Phils continue their series Saturday night. Luis Medina (2-1, 3.94 ERA) takes the mound for Somerset against Reading right-hander Noah Skirrow (0-0, 0.00 ERA). First pitch at FirstEnergy Stadium is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.

About the Somerset Patriots

The Somerset Patriots are the New York Yankees Double-A Affiliate and develop today’s top minor league talent into the pinstriped superstars of tomorrow for MLB’s winningest team. The Patriots compete in the Double-A Northeast League and play their home games at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, NJ, where fans of all ages and levels of baseball fandom get to enjoy the unique experience that is minor league baseball.

To learn more, visit: _www.somersetpatriots.com_.

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