Fightin Phils Fall in Sunday Finale at Hartford

June 2, 2024 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release

(Hartford, CT) - A three-run seventh inning from the Hartford Yard Goats (27-23) proved to be the difference in their 4-2 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (21-30) on Sunday afternoon at Dunkin' Park.

With the loss, the Fightin Phils drop five-of-six games this week at Hartford. It also marks the third straight road series that Reading has dropped five games.

With a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the seventh inning, the Fighitn Phils went to Cristian Hernandez (L, 0-1) out of the bullpen. Braiden Ward led off the inning with an infield single and stole second base. Then, Nic Kent singled on a softly-hit infield ground ball to put runners on first and third. Adael Amador followed with a double to right field to score Ward and move Kent to third, tying the game at two. With one out, Yanquiel Fernandez knocked a single to score Kent and Amado and put Hartford up for good, 4-2.

The Fightin Phils jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the third frame. Casey Martin reached on a one-out double, then Marcus Lee Sang walked to put runners on first and second. Jose Rodriguez extended his team-best hitting streak to 11 games with an RBI single, scoring Martin. A couple of batters later, Carson Taylor knocked in his team-best 38th RBI with a sacrifice fly to center that scored Lee Sang.

Hartford got its other run in the bottom of the fourth. Warming Bernabel led off the inning with his sixth double of the season and advanced to third on a fly ball to right field by Zach Kokoska. Bladimir Restituyo knocked in Bernabel with a ground out to shortstop to make it 2-1, Reading at the time.

Robinson Pina started on the mound for the Fightin Phils and turned in another solid outing. Pina went 5.2 innings, allowing one run on five hits, with six strikeouts. It marks Pina's first outing since his first one on April 7 where he did not earn a decision, a streak of seven-straight starts. Tristan Garnett did not allow a run over one-third of an inning, and Tommy McCollum tossed a scoreless bottom of the eighth inning.

Andrew Quezada was strong for Hartford as the starter. He went six innings, allowing two runs on six hits, with one strikeout. Collin Baumgartner got the win (W, 1-0) with a scoreless seventh inning. Alec Barger and Seth Haloversen (S, 2) each pitched perfect frames to finish off the win for Hartford. Marcus Lee Sang had two hits for the Fightin Phils.

Following an off day tomorrow, the Fightin Phils return home Tuesday at 7 p.m. against the Harrisburg Senators. Reading's starter is yet to be announced, and Harrisburg will send RHP Andry Lava to the mound. Pregame radio coverage is underway at 6:45 p.m. on the Reading Fightin Phils Radio Network . A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Reading returns home from Tuesday, June 4 through Sunday, June 9 for a six-game series against the Harrisburg Senators (Nationals). Tuesday features a Fightin Phils T-Shirt giveaway for the first 2,000 adults, thanks to Berks County Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities Program. Wednesday is a Tribute to Farming: Farm Animal Experience, presented by Berks County Farmers Association and Steinmetz Family Farm. Thursday and Friday will showcase postgame fireworks. Thursday's show is presented by PA Career Link Berks County, and Friday's by Vertex Mechanical. Saturday is the season's first Carpenter MEGA Blast Fireworks Show, thanks to Diamond Credit Union. It will also be a Tribute to Peanuts and Charlie Brown's 50th Anniversary, as the Fightin Phils will wear special Peanuts Jerseys. The series ends Sunday with a Johan Rojas Bobble Head, thanks to Berks Packing, for the first 1,500 kids. Reading remains home from Tuesday, June 11 to Sunday, June 16, against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox).

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.

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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.

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