Miller's Leadoff Home Run Not Enough in Series Opening Loss
EL Reading Fightin Phils

Miller's Leadoff Home Run Not Enough in Series Opening Loss

Published on September 2, 2025 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Hartford, PA) - A leadoff home run from Aidan Miller was all the Reading Fightin Phils (24-34; 49-76) could garner in a 2-1 loss to the Hartford Yard Goats (29-28; 65-61) on Tuesday night at Dunkin' Park.

Miller's leadoff home run was his 13th of the season, tying him with Felix Reyes for the team lead. But, that was the only damage Hartford's starter Ben Shields allowed on the night. Shields lasted 3.1 innings in his first start off the injured list, allowing four hits and striking out five.

On the Reading side, Estibenzon Jimenez (L, 3-4) tossed another quality start. He allowed two runs on seven hits over six innings, while striking out a pair. The two runs against Jimenez came on a solo home run from Charlie Condon in the bottom of the first and another solo shot from Juan Guerrero in the fifth.

Mason Green (W, 5-4) followed Shields with a scoreless 1.2 innings of work. Three more pitchers followed to keep the Fightin Phils offense quiet on the night. Austin Smith (S, 3) struck out two in a scoreless ninth to finish off the victory for the Yard Goats. On the Reading side, Eiberson Castellano and Tommy McCollum each tossed a scoreless inning of relief each.

Reading was held to six hits, with Caleb Ricketts and Felix Reyes each having a pair. Reyes raised his batting average to .334 on the season, which continues to lead the Eastern League and all of Double-A with 11 games to play. Dylan Campbell and Miller had the other hits for the Fightin Phils in the loss.

The Fightin Phils return to the field on Wednesday at 7:10 p.m. at the Hartford Yard Goats. RHP Chuck King will be on the mound for Reading, and he will go against LHP Sean Sullivan for Hartford. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, September 9, through Sunday, September 14, for the final series of the regular season against the Somerset Patriots, Double-A affiliate of the New York Yankees. Tuesday is the 22nd Annual Morning Game, with the first 2,000 adults getting a Reading Flapjacks Hat, thanks to Reading Hospital. On Wednesday, the first 1,000 fans receive a Pride Night R-Phils Rainbow Cup, presented by Kutztown University and LGBTQ+ Resource Center at Kutztown University. Thursday is an Unused Ticket Game, thanks to Baseballtown Charities. Friday night features fireworks, thanks to Savage Auto Group. Saturday night is a MEGA Blast fireworks show, sponsored by Penske and the Fightin Phils will play as the "Reading Prost" in an Oktoberfest Celebration. The season and series ends Sunday with a R-Phils Uncut Player Baseball Card Poster for the first 2,000 kids, thanks to Baseballtown Charities. Tickets are available at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2025 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 September 2, 2025


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.

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