Akron Walks Off Fightin Phils in Series Finale

BOX SCORE

(Akron, OH) - The Akron RubberDucks (26-13; 63-45) walked it off over the Reading Fightin Phils (15-24; 46-61) on Sunday afternoon. With the bases loaded in the bottom of the ninth, Dayan Frias hit an RBI single to drive in the game-winning run. With the win, Akron earns the series win, 4-2.

The game quickly became a pitcher's duel between Eiberson Castellano and Parker Messick. Castellanos tossed five scoreless innings, allowed one hit, walked two, and struck out five. Since his call-up to Reading on July 16, Castellano is 1-1 with a 2.14 ERA allowing five earned runs and 22 strikeouts. Messick matched Castellanos with a strong outing on the mound for Akron. He pitched six scoreless innings, allowed one hit, walked one, and struck out six.

The game remained scoreless until the seventh inning, as the Fightin Phils struck first. With runners on the corners, Magnus Ellerts threw a wild pitch, which allowed Gabriel Rincones Jr. to score. The RubberDucks tied the game in the bottom of the eighth, as Yordys Valdez hit a solo home run, his third of the season.

Andrew Schultz took the mound in the bottom of the ninth, looking for a scoreless frame to send the game to extra innings. After walking three straight batters to load the bases, Frias hit an RBI single to give the RubberDucks the 2-1 victory. Bradley Hanner earned the win (8-3), while Schultz suffered the loss (1-2).

The Fightin Phils return to the field Tuesday against the New Hampshire, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, at 7 p.m. Pregame coverage is underway at 6:45 p.m. on the Reading Fightin Phils Radio Network. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 18, against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. On Tuesday, the first 2,000 adults will receive an Alec Bohm bobblehead with his walk-up song, presented by FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will get a Bryson Stott R-Phils Jersey T-Shirt on Wednesday, thanks to Rotary House Print Works. Thursday is Recovery Awareness Night, presented by Berks Counseling Center and SOS Berks. It will also feature an appearance by former Bachelorette Contestant Zac Clark. Thursday and Friday both also feature fireworks and Friday's show is sponsored by PA Virtual Charter School, Alvernia University, and Reading Truck. Saturday is the 26th Annual Harley Night and the evening will conclude with fireworks, thanks to American Crane and Equipment Corporation. The series ends Sunday with a Ranger Suarez bobblehead for the first 1,500 kids, thanks to Penn State Health St. Joseph.

To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets, or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person and online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.

The 2024 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook, or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.