EL Reading Fightin Phils

Curve Quiet Fightins in Second Shutout of Season

July 18, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Altoona, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils (7-8, 35-48) were shut out for just the second time this season as they fell 4-0 to the Altoona Curve (6-7, 40-41) on Tuesday night. Seven Curve pitchers combined for the shutout.

The game remained scoreless into the fifth inning as Josh Hendrickson made quick work of Altoona's lineup through the first four frames. But, Altoona got to him in the fifth when Domingo Leyba launched a two-run home run to put the Curve up 2-0 at the game mid-point.

Hendrickson lasted five innings, allowing two runs on seven hits. The lefty issued no walks and struck out five Altoona hitters. Noah Song entered for his second rehab appearance with Reading and pitched a scoreless sixth inning.

Song returned for the seventh and Altoona tacked more on against him. Jackson Glenn led off the inning with a single, then Matt Gorski doubled down the left-field line to score Glenn and make it 3-0. Gorski, who moved to third on the throw, proceeded to score on a wild pitch by Song to extend Altoona's lead to four. Adam Leverett pitched after Song and was strong, throwing 1.1 shutout innings.

Matthew Kroon had two hits for Reading to raise his team-leading average to .328. No one else on Reading had more than one hit as the Fightin Phils struck out 12 times, left 12 on base and was 0-7 with runners in scoring position.

Justin Meis (4-3) earned the win for Altoona, pitching two shutout innings in relief. Hendrickson (1-6) suffered the loss for Reading.

Reading and Altoona are back on the field tomorrow at 12:05 p.m. RHP Tyler Phillips is scheduled to start for Reading and he will go opposite RHP Aaron Shortridge for Altoona. A video stream is available on MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home Tuesday, July 25, as the Binghamton Rumble Ponies (Mets) are in town. The series runs from Tuesday, July 25 to Sunday, July 30 and tickets are 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.

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Eastern League Stories from July 18, 2023


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