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Reading Fightin Phils

Fisher Cats Spoil Ruiz's Return to Baseballtown

April 26, 2013 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


READING, PA - Philadelphia Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz made his return to Baseballtown Friday night, but the New Hampshire Fisher Cats' Marcus Walden held the major leaguer and the rest of the Reading Fightin Phils to just one run in the team's 3-1 loss at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Walden pitched seven strong innings for New Hampshire and held the Fightins to one earned run on seven hits and one walk. Reading was able to muster a run in the seventh inning after third baseman Tyler Henson led off the inning with a double and then scored on a Ronnie Welty groundout. Henson also had two singles and went 3-for-4 on the night.

Most of the evening's focus was on Ruiz, though, with the raucous crowd of 8,982 chanting for "Chooch" any time they could get. Ruiz, who was on Major League rehab, played his first game in Reading since his 2004 breakout season where he slugged 17 home runs and drove in 50 runs.

In Friday's game, Ruiz went 0-for-4 with a pair of ground outs and fly outs. The 2012 All-Star will continue his rehab assignment on Saturday night before returning to the Philadelphia Phillies on Sunday at Citi Field versus the New York Mets.

Reading starting pitcher Tom Cochran allowed three earned runs in 4.2 innings pitched in his second start of the season. The left-handed pitcher struggled with control during his outing and issued four walks, including three in the third inning that loaded the bases. Cochran struck out Brad Glenn to get out of the third inning jam and finished with three strikeouts. The Delaware native threw 106 pitches, 58 of which were strikes.

Before exiting in the fifth inning, Cochran surrendered a home run in both the fourth and fifth innings. New Hampshire second baseman Clint Robinson launched a monstrous shot off the top of the Reading Eagle Character Pool Party in the fourth while Ryan Schimpf hit his sixth home run of the season, a two-run blast, in the fifth.

Relievers Juan Sosa and Tyler Knigge combined for 4.1 scoreless innings in relief of Cochran. In his second appearance since returning from the 7-Day D.L., Sosa struck out three and allowed one hit in 2.1 innings of work. Portland native Knigge struck out two and gave up two hits over the final two frames.

Reading continues its three-game tilt with the New Hampshire Fisher Cats on Saturday night at 6:05 p.m. when RHP David Buchanan (1-2, ) faces RHP Deck McGuire (1-2, ). Tune into Oldies 1340 WRAW-AM or MiLB.TV for the game broadcast with Fightins play-by-play announcer Anthony Oppermann starting at 5:35 p.m.

The Fightin Phils continue their 47th season affiliated with the Philadelphia Phillies on Saturday, April 27 when the team takes on the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at 7:05 p.m. Tickets for the 2013 season can be purchased online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, or in-person by visiting the FirstEnergy Stadium Ticket Office.

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