Late Inning Fireworks Blast Reading to Fourth of July Victory

BOX SCORE

(Somerset, NJ) - A four-run eighth inning helped the Reading Fightin Phils to a 5-4 win over the Somerset Patriots on Tuesday night. The win gave Reading the early advantage in this week's six-game series.

The Fightin Phils entered the eighth inning down 4-1. It was quickly cut in half when Johan Rojas hit a solo home run to make it 4-2. It was the third-straight game Rojas hit a home run, marking the second time this season an R-Phil has done that. The last was Oliver Dunn from June 20-22 at Portland.

With one out in the inning, Ethan Wilson singled but was cut off at second when Nick Podkul grounded into a fielder's choice for the second out. Carlos De La Cruz then singled and Cam Cannon followed with a double to score De La Cruz and Podkul to tie the game at four. Max McDowell singled home Cannon to put Reading ahead 5-4.

It was a bullpen game for Reading, started by Adam Leverett. He went three innings and allowed two runs and then Jake Thompson entered for two frames, also allowing two runs. Andrew Schultz, Braden Zarbnisky and Brett Schulze then combined to throw four-scoreless innings of relief, while only allowing one hit to keep the game close and eventually secure the win for Reading.

The R-Phils' other run came in the fourth inning when Podkul singled to score Ethan Wilson. Wilson led the Fightin Phils with three hits tonight, while Rojas stayed hot with two hits. On the Somerset side, Eric Wagaman had the lone multi-hit night for the Patriots, with two base knocks.

The win went to Zarbnisky, who improves to 4-1 on the season. Somerset's Josh Maciejewski suffered the loss to drop to 0-1. Schulze earned his fifth save for Reading. With the win, Reading improves to 2-5 in the second half, while Somerset falls to 4-3.

Reading and Somerset are back in action Wednesday at 7:05 p.m. RHP Matt Sauer is scheduled to pitch for Somerset, and RHP Cristian Hernandez will be on the mound for Reading. Live coverage of the game is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home Friday, July 14, to begin a three-game series against the Portland Sea Dogs. Tickets to all games are still available at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2023 R-Phils season is presented by Pepsi. Follow the Fightin Phils on Twitter @ReadingFightins, like us on Facebook or follow us on Instagram @Fightins.