Late Patriots Push Leads to Game One Defeat in Somerset
BOX SCORE (Bridgewater, NJ) - Three-unanswered runs in their final two at-bats led the Somerset Patriots (30-20; 62-57) to a 4-2 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (21-31; 52-68) on Tuesday night from TD Bank Ballpark in the first game of the series. The Patriots struck first in the bottom
(Bridgewater, NJ) - Three-unanswered runs in their final two at-bats led the Somerset Patriots (30-20; 62-57) to a 4-2 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (21-31; 52-68) on Tuesday night from TD Bank Ballpark in the first game of the series.
The Patriots struck first in the bottom of the first inning. Anthony Rizzo, making a rehab start from the Yankees, lifted a solo home run to to right-center field to make it 1-0.
Reading grabbed the lead with two runs in the third. Gabriel Rincones Jr. launched his 11th home run of the season to tie the game at one. Two batters late, Carson Taylor drove in his 72nd run of the season, as he singled to score Otto Kemp and make it 2-1.
Noah Skirrow was strong from there and 5.2-solid innings in a decision. The righty allowed five hits and the Rizzo home run was his lone blemish on the night. Skirrow also struck out five hitters. Trystan Vrieling also had a no-decision, as he allowed two runs on six hits over five innings, with fiver strikeouts.
Carlos Francisco (L, 3-4) followed Skirrow and finished off the sixth inning with no damage. He allowed two runners in the bottom of the seventh on walks, then Wesley Moore surrendered a two-run triple to Spencer Jones to put Somerset on top 3-2. In the bottom of the eighth, Jared Wegner doubled off Tommy McCollum, scoring Elijah Dunham and putting Somerset up 4-2.
Ian Hamilton (W, 1-0) got the win with 1.1-scoreless innings in his MLB Rehab appearance. Eric Reyzelman (S, 4) struck out one in a scoreless ninth to finish off the series-opening victory for the Patriots.
The Fightin Phils return to the field Wednesday against the Somerset Patriots, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees, at 6:35 p.m. RHP Christian McGowan will be on the mound for Reading, and go opposite LHP Cam Schlittler for Somerset. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.
The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, September 3, through Sunday, September 8, against the Erie SeaWolves, Double-A affiliate of the Detroit Tigers. On Tuesday, the first 1,000 fans will receive a Pride Night R-Phils Rainbow Pennant, presented by Kutztown University and LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Kutztown University. Wednesday is an Unused Ticket Game, thanks to Rip It Baseballtown Charities. Thursday is Tasting Festival on the Deck presented by Classic Harley-Davidson. Friday night features fireworks, thanks to Savage Auto Group. Saturday is a SpongeBob Celebration and Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks, sponsored by your local Kia Dealers. The home schedule finishes Sunday with Reading Truck MEGA Blast Fireworks, thanks to Penske.
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.