Eflin dominates in series sweep over 'Squirrels

Published on April 19, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release

Zach Eflin (2-0) pitched eight shutout innings in his second start of the season and first ever start in Reading to lead the Fightin Phils (6-3) to a 6-0 win over the Richmond Flying Squirrels (3-6). Eflin also recorded his first professional double in the bottom of the fourth inning.

The Fightin Phils offense registered ten hits throughout the afternoon as they jump-started the scoring in the bottom of the second inning against Matt Lujan. Gabriel Lino led off the inning with a double then scored on a RBI double from Harold Martinez to give the Fightin Phils a 1-0 lead.

Four more runs crossed the plate for the Fightins against Lujan in the bottom of the third inning to extend their lead to 5-0. Cameron Perkins hit a RBI double to score Aaron Altherr then scored on a two-run home run from Gabriel Lino. Martinez homered in the following at-bat to give the Fightin Phils their first back-to-back home runs since Jake Fox and Aaron Altherr did it last season against New Britain on July 18th.

One more run scored for Reading against reliever Kelvin Marte in the bottom of the fifth inning as Martinez hit a sacrifice fly to score Brock Stassi to give the Fightin Phils a 6-0 lead. Harlod Martinez finished the day going 3-3 with one run scored and three runs batted in.

Zach Eflin threw 94 total pitches in the longest outing of the season for any Fightin Phils pitcher with 71 strikes. Ryan O'Sullivan tossed a scoreless top of the 9th inning despite loaded the bases to finish out the game and give Reading their first sweep of the season.

The Fightin Phils continue their six-game home stand on Monday as they welcome in the Akron RubberDucks for a three-game series. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 pm at FirstEnergy Stadium. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio AM 1240/FM 98-5, fightins.com and watch the game on MiLB.tv beginning at 6:05 pm.

Tickets for the 2015 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Eastern League Stories from April 19, 2015

• Despite Early Lead, New Hampshire Drops 4-1 Decision - New Hampshire Fisher Cats
• Baysox Win Wild One to Avoid Sweep - Chesapeake Baysox
• Baysox Snap SeaWolves Winning Streak - Erie SeaWolves
• B-Mets Filleted in Finale, 10-2 - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Rock Cats off to Best Home Start in 14 Years; Defeat NH 4-1 - New Britain Rock Cats
• Senators Win Second Straight with a 10-2 Win over Binghamton - Harrisburg Senators
• Eflin dominates in series sweep over 'Squirrels - Reading Fightin Phils
• RubberDucks Whitewashed - Akron RubberDucks
• Offense Erupts as Curve Takes Series from Akron - Altoona Curve
• Effortless for Eflin as Fightins Sweep Squirrels, 6-0 - Richmond Flying Squirrels
• Trenton Wins 5-1, Take 3 of 4 from Portland - Portland Sea Dogs
• B-Mets Game Notes: Game #11 - B-Mets (6-4) vs. Harrisburg Senators (4-6) - Binghamton Rumble Ponies
• Erie SeaWolves at Bowie Baysox - Game Notes - Erie SeaWolves
• Sea Dogs Game Notes April 19 at Trenton (Game 10) - Portland Sea Dogs
• Flying Squirrels Game Notes: at Reading - Richmond Flying Squirrels

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