EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Asche's Colossal Night Sets Tone for R-Phils

Published on July 25, 2012 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, Pa.)---Looking to snap themselves out of a month-long offensive slump, the Reading Phillies (52-51) turned to Cody Asche on Wednesday night in the team's 6-1 victory over the Altoona Curve (51-52) at FirstEnergy Stadium. The third baseman drilled two homers to right field including a three-run shot in the fifth inning.

Asche's first round-tripper in the fifth inning came off 2011 overall number one draft pick Gerrit Cole. Cole, who had allowed two runs in the second inning after two Altoona errors and an RBI single by pitcher Jonathan Pettibone, walked Pettibone before Jiwan James singled to set the stage for Asche. On the first pitch hurled by Cole, Asche went deep and hit a towering three-RBI shot that bounced off the second row of billboards in right field. His second blast, a solo shot, came in the seventh inning on a long ball to center field. In addition to his home runs, Asche was 3-for-4 with two runs scored.

Coming into Wednesday's game, Asche had hit just two home runs in his time with both Williamsport (SS) in 2011 and Clearwater (A+) this season before landing in Reading in late June. Through 29 games at the Double-A level in 2012, Asche has a career-high five home runs as well as 18 RBI.

With the win, Reading salvages the three-game series with Altoona and avoids a losing record for the first time since August 17, 2011 (61-62). The R-Phils, though, did not pick up any ground in the Eastern Division playoff race as both division leader Trenton and New Britain won on Wednesday. Reading sits 5.5-games back from second-place New Britain and 8.0-games back from Trenton.

Reading starter Pettibone rose to the occasion against Cole and hurled seven three-hit innings where he struck out six Curve batters for his team-leading ninth winning decision. It was the right-handed pitcher's second straight start (14th overall) holding opponents to two earned runs or less this season.

Catcher Sebastian Valle singled in the sixth inning to extend his season-high nine-game hitting streak.

Jordan Whatcott and Jay Johnson combined to pitch two perfect innings of relief in the eighth and ninth innings to close out the game.

Eastern League Pitcher of the Week Austin Hyatt (4-3/4.64 ERA) takes the hill on Thursday night for Reading as the team starts a four-game series with division foe New Britain. The R-Phils look to gain ground in the Eastern Division during the Rock Cats' final trip to Baseballtown in 2012. Tune into 1340 WRAW-AM on the radio dial or online at 1340WRAW.com starting at 6:35 p.m. for the game broadcast with the voice of the Reading Phillies, Brian Seltzer.

Tickets for all regular season home games, including the Crazy Hot Dog Vendor Soap Dispenser on Sunday, July 29, can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2012 season featuring the Baseballtown All-Star Classic at America's Classic Ballpark is presented by Pepsi.

Check out the Reading Fightin Phils Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from July 25, 2012


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central