EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

May, Ruf Deliver One-Two Punch to Quell B-Mets

August 27, 2012 - Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, Pa.)---The Reading Phillies (72-53) were firing on all cylinders Monday night at FirstEnergy Stadium in its 4-1 defeat of the Binghamton Mets (65-70) led by the performance of Darin Ruf and Trevor May.

The Eastern League leader in home runs ripped his 36th home run of the season, and 18th in the past 27 games, to lead off the fifth inning. Ruf now sits just one home run behind Philadelphia Phillies first baseman and 2004 R-Phils slugger Ryan Howard for the single-season lead. He also pulled ahead of Omaha's Wil Myers for the Minor League Baseball lead in home runs.

While he is on a quest for one franchise record, Ruf set a separate record in the win as he surpassed Greg Luzinski for the total bases record. By going 2-for-4 with a single and two runs scored, Ruf currently has 288 total bases, eclipsing the 287 total bases mark set by "The Bull"

Starting pitcher Trevor May struck out nine batters and held Binghamton to just two hits through a season-high eight innings as the top prospect notched his tenth win, marking the third straight season where May has recorded wins in the double figures. Through the month of August, May is 2-4 with a 3.53 ERA, his best mark since going 5-0 with a 2.40 ERA in April.

May made just one mistake on Monday when he allowed a solo home run to Wilmer Flores in the first inning after striking out the first two batters. The shot did not affect him, though, as he sat down 23 of the 26 batters faced to cruise through the remainder of his start. May also did not walk any batters for the first time since April 30th.

May's quality start was supported by another night of productive offense from Reading hitters. First baseman Jake Fox tied the game in the first inning when he scored Cody Asche on an RBI double to right-center field. The R-Phils inched forth in the third inning after Asche and Ruf each singled and Fox was walked to load the bases for second baseman Tug Hulett, who proceeded to knock in Asche and Ruf on a two-run double to deep center field. Both Hulett and Asche finished Monday with two hits.

Justin Friend stepped closer to history as the right-handed pitcher struck out the side in the ninth inning for his 23rd save in 23 opportunities. He trails single-season leaders Wayne Gomes (1996) and Toby Borland (1983) by one save. He also has a 0.24 ERA through 36 appearances.

The R-Phils remain 3.0-games ahead of New Britain for the final Eastern Division playoff spot. The Rock Cats also won at Trenton on Monday night, moving Reading four games out of the division lead held by the Thunder. With seven games to play this season, the R-Phils' magic number rests at five.

RHP Ethan Martin (12-6, 3.37 ERA) aims for his fifth winning decision since being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies organization on July 31. Tune into 1340 WRAW-AM on the radio dial or online at 1340WRAW.com starting at 6:35 p.m. for the game broadcast with the voice of the Reading Phillies, Brian Seltzer.

Tickets for all regular season home games, including the 2012 Eastern League Playoffs, can be purchased online at www.RPhils.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in person at the R-Phils Ticket Office at FirstEnergy Stadium. The 2012 season featuring the Baseballtown All-Star Classic at America's Classic Ballpark is presented by Pepsi.

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Eastern League Stories from August 27, 2012


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