EL Reading Fightin Phils

Late Inning Homer Sinks Reading to Portland

Published on July 15, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, PA) - A ninth-inning Blaze Jordan two-run home run gave the Portland Sea Dogs a 3-2 win over the Reading Fightin Phils on Saturday night. The win for Portland evened this weekend's series at one.

Griff McGarry was excellent over a season-high six-innings of work. He also set a season-high with nine strikeouts, while allowing just one-earned run.

The lone run allowed by McGarry came in the third. The nine-hole hitter Tyler McDonough singled to start the frame. Pablo Reyes in his rehab start for Portland followed up after a wild pitch from McGarry to hit a single of his own, scoring McDonough to put Portland up 1-0.

The R-Phils quickly bounced back in the bottom half of the inning. Max McDowell smashed a solo home run to deep left center field to tie the game up at one. This was McDowell's first home run since his walk off against Harrisburg on May 26th.

McGarry found himself in a bit of trouble in the sixth inning. Nick Yorke started off with a single, and Nathan Hickey later walked. After a quick visit on the mound from Manager Al Pedrique, McGarry was able to get the last out without any damage.

Jacob Webb came in for relief of Portland starter Grant Gambrell in the seventh inning. Gambrell tossed six-strong innings for the Sea Dogs. After getting through the seventh with no issues, Reading finally struck in the eighth. In his second day back in the Fightins lineup, Matthew Kroon kept his momentum going with a single to get the party started. After Kroon stole second, Oliver Dunn reached on an infield single that scored Kroon to put Reading up 2-1 going into the ninth.

The Fightins would not hold onto the lead for long. After another single from Hickey in the top of the ninth, Blaze Jordan gave Portland the advantage 3-2 with a two-run home run. The homer gave Jordan his first hit since being called up to double-A.

Ryan Miller closed things out for Portland in the bottom of the ninth. Miller threw a hitless inning, striking out two. Miller also earned his second save of the season.

Webb earned the win for Portland to improve to 7-1 on the season and Kerkering suffered the loss for Reading to fall to 0-1. With the win, Portland improves to 11-3 in the second half and Reading falls to 6-7 in the second half with the loss.

Reading and Portland return to the field Sunday night at 5:15 p.m. RHP Zach Haake is scheduled to start for Reading, and he will go opposite RHP Wikelman Gonzalez for Portland. Pregame coverage is underway at 5 p.m. and can be listened at rphils.com/radio. A video stream is also available on MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

On Sunday, the first 3,000 fans will receive an Alec Bohm t-shirt and kids can run the bases following the game. Tickets to all games are still available, but are going fast and can be purchases 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.

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Eastern League Stories from July 15, 2023


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