Late Rally Isn't Enough as Fightins Fall to Akron on Wednesday
BOX SCORE (Akron, OH) - Fifteen hits were not enough as the Fightin Phils (13-22; 44-59) fell to the Akron RubberDucks (24-11; 61-43) on Wednesday night. Despite dropping their fourth straight, the R-Phils posted their second-highest hits on the season with fifteen. In the top of the second, the Fightins
(Akron, OH) - Fifteen hits were not enough as the Fightin Phils (13-22; 44-59) fell to the Akron RubberDucks (24-11; 61-43) on Wednesday night. Despite dropping their fourth straight, the R-Phils posted their second-highest hits on the season with fifteen.
In the top of the second, the Fightins struck first as Robert Moore knocked in his 36th RBI of the season with a single to score Otto Kemp. However, Akron tied the game in the home half of the second, as Dayan Frias tripled off of Taijuan Walker, in his second rehab appearance on the mound for Reading. Despite the no-decision, Walker had a solid outing as he tossed five innings, allowed one earned run on two hits, walked none, and struck out three.
In the bottom of the sixth, the RubberDucks scored five runs in the inning thanks to an RBI triple from Milan Tolentino, and back-to-back solo home runs from Chase DeLauter (2) and Aaron Bracho (5). Akron held a 6-1 edge.
In the top of the seventh, Justin Crawford earned an RBI on a productive groundball out, which brought home a run. Reading then cut the deficit to three as Gabriel Rincones Jr. singled home Marcus Lee Sang. Akron earned these runs back in the home half of the frame, as Petey Halpin hit an RBI single and DeLauter knocked in a run with a sacrifice fly.
Reading put up a fight, as they scored three runs in a ninth-inning rally. Crawford earned his third hit of the day with an RBI double to score Erick Brito. Rincones Jr. followed with an RBI double and Kemp knocked in a run on a groundout. Crawford, Kemp, and Moore went a combined 9-for-15 with four RBI, three runs scored, and a stolen base.
Magnus Ellerts earned the win (3-0), and Bradley Hanner took the save (3), while Christian McGowan suffered the loss (0-2).
The Fightin Phils return to the field Thursday against the Akron Rubber Ducks, Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, at 6:35 p.m. RHP Jean Cabrera is scheduled to pitch for Reading, and he will go opposite RHP Aaron Davenport for Akron. 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.