EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Gillies Goes off to Defeat Fisher Cats

April 9, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, Pa.)---Two years ago in 2010, Tyson Gillies was expected to be one of the Reading Phillies biggest contributors on field as the speedy outfielder was just acquired by Philadelphia from Seattle for Cliff Lee along with Phillippe Aumont and teammate J.C. Ramirez. Over the past two seasons, though, Gillies suffered injuries to his left hamstring and left foot that saw him appear in just 31 games during that same time span. So, it didn't come as too much of a surprise when Gillies went 3-for-5 with Monday night with a two-run home run and three runs scored in the R-Phils 5-2 win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

With the win over the defending Eastern League champions, Reading has started the season 5-0, which is believed to be the best start in team history (records prior to 1988 weren't fully kept).

Gillies' sixth inning blast off Fisher Cats starter Brett Cecil cleared the side of the Reading Eagle Pool Pavilion. He is now hitting .389 in 2012, with six runs, one triple, and one HR.

Julio Rodriguez, one of the Philadelphia farm system's "Baby Aces", allowed two runs on four hits while striking out four in five innings pitched in his first start and win of 2012. Rodriguez struggled to begin Monday night's game when he threw 27 of his first 49 pitches for balls. But the Puerto Rican steadied after that start, tossing only 10 more balls over the next two innings.

The R-Phils relief staff held the Fisher Cats to a scoreless final four innings highlighted by a two-inning save from B.J. Rosenberg. Rosenberg struck out one and allowed zero runs in his first save of 2012.

New Hampshire starter Cecil received the loss on Monday. The former Toronto Blue Jay starter (2009- 2011) gave up 11 hits and five runs in 6.2 innings pitched. The Maryland native also struck out seven hitters and threw 74 of his 91 pitches for strikes.

Veteran outfielder and 2010 and 2011 MVP Michael Spidale helped the R-Phils take control of the lead in the bottom of the third inning after the he smacked a line drive to score Gillies and shortstop Troy Hanzawa.

Reading continues their three-game series with New Hampshire at 6:35 p.m. on Tuesday at FirstEnergy Stadium. The R-Phils look to continue their five-game win streak in 2012 when RHP Jonathan Pettibone (1-0/1.50) takes the mound against New Hampshire RHP Drew Hutchinson (1-0/3.60). A 2004 E.L. All-Star Gavin Floyd photo will be given to the first 500 adults 15 and over as part of the R-Phils Legends Series thanks to Albright College. It's also String Tree Community Music Showcase Night, where local musicians and artist delight fans in VIST Financial Plaza prior to the game.

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Eastern League Stories from April 9, 2012


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