Fightins Outhit Portland, Earn Series Win on Sunday

BOX SCORE

(Portland, ME) - Fourteen hits and strong pitching powered the Fightin Phils (8-13; 39-50) to an 8-2 win over the Portland Sea Dogs on Sunday (11-8; 47-41). Reading earned the series win, taking two out of three from Portland in their first series following the All-Star break.

Portland got the scoring started in the bottom of the first inning. Kristian Campbell drove in a run with an RBI single to score Roman Anthony.

Reading responded quickly in the top of the second, scoring three runs in the inning. With runners on the corners, Robert Moore drove in a run with a productive ground out, and Caleb Ricketts crossed the plate to tie the game at 1-1. Trevor Schwecke then took advantage of a miscue by Portland's infield with an RBI single, scoring Leandro Pineda. Ethan Wilson followed with an RBI single to drive home another run. The Fightins took a 3-1 advantage.

Josh Breaux tacked in two more runs in the top of the fifth with an RBI double, giving Reading a comfortable 5-1 lead.

Eiberson Castellano (1-0) made his Double-A debut on the mound for Reading with an excellent first outing. He whirled six innings, allowed two earned runs on four hits, walked two and struck out six. The R-Phils bullpen put Castellano in position to earn his first Double-A win, as relievers Carlos Francisco, Cristian Hernandez, and Tommy McCollum pitched three scoreless, no-hit innings with two punch outs. With the victory, Castellano becomes the first Fightins pitcher to win in his debut since Andrew Painter on August 21, 2022, vs. Portland.

The Sea Dogs scored one more run in the fifth with a Roman Anthony RBI single to score Karson Simas.

Reading's bats showcased timely hitting as they tacked on three more runs. Ethan Wilson hit his second RBI single of the day in the top of the sixth, and Rincones Jr. doubled home Marcus Lee Sang. In the top of the eighth inning, Rincones Jr. gave Reading an 8-2 lead with an RBI single. Eight of nine Reading hitters recorded a hit in the game, as they outhit the Sea Dogs, 14-4.

Hunter Dobbins (6-3) suffered the loss for Portland as he went five innings, allowed five earned runs on eight hits, walked two, and struck out five.

After an off day Monday, the Fightin Phils return to the field Tuesday at the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, at 6:35 p.m. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Reading returns home from Tuesday, July 30 though Sunday, August 4, against the Hartford Yard Goats, Double-A affiliate of the Colorado Rockies. Tuesday is the 21st Annual Morning Game, with the first 2,000 adults receiving a Cream Chipped Beef Hat, thanks to Reading Hospital. Wednesday, Thursday and Friday all feature fireworks. Wednesday's show is presented by Beneficial Society Victor Emmanuel II. Thursday's is sponsored by Riverfront Federal Credit Union and Friday's is thanks to PSECU. Saturday is a Tribute to Harry Potter, with the R-Phils wearing Harry Potter Jerseys. The night will end with Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks, presented by T-Mobile. The series ends Sunday with a Phillie Phanatic Appearance, presented by Berks County Intermediate Unit.

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.