EL Reading Fightin Phils

Fightins Edge Senators to Grab Series Lead

Published on August 24, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Harrisburg, PA) - A strong night from Zach Haake propelled the Reading Fightin Phils (23-25, 51-65) to a 3-2 win over the Harrisburg Senators (23-25, 54-62) on Thursday night. The win gave Reading the 2-1 edge at the midpoint of this week's series.

Haake (1-4) turned in a bounce-back outing to earn his first win for Reading. The righty went five innings, allowing one run on two hits with five strikeouts and no walks.

Both offenses remained quiet until the fourth. The Fightin Phils got on the board first thanks to a solo home run from Ethan Wilson. The Fightin Phils tacked two more runs on in the sixth when Jhailyn Ortiz homered to score Carlos De La Cruz, who reached on an error. The Ortiz homer put Reading up 3-0.

Harrisburg got runs in the sixth and seventh innings, respectively. Jackson Cluff scored on a Robert Hassell groundout in the sixth. Then, Israel Pineda singled home Brady House in the seventh to make it 3-2, with Reading still ahead.

Reading's bullpen was strong following Haake. Dominic Pipkin was first in relief and tossed 1.2 innings and allowed one run. Jordi Martinez came in and retired the only batter he faced. Orion Kerkering pitched out of trouble in a scoreless eighth, issuing two walks and also striking out two. Tommy McCollum (S, 1) earned his first Double-A save with a scoreless ninth, where he struck out two Senators.

Andrew Alvarez (L, 0-2) suffered the loss for Harrisburg. He went 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, with seven strikeouts.

Max McDowell led Reading in hits with a three-for-four night. Ortiz, Wilson, and Pedro Martinez each had one hit apiece.

Reading and Harrisburg are back in action for game four of this week's series tomorrow at 7 p.m. LHP Matt Osterberg is scheduled to start for Reading, and he will go opposite LHP Mitchell Parker for Harrisburg. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Reading returns home for a 12-game homestand, running August 29 through September 10. It'll start with a series against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on the 29th. Tickets to all games 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.

Check out the Reading Fightin Phils Statistics

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



Eastern League Stories from August 24, 2023


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