Murr's Three-Hit Debut Not Enough as Fightin Phils Fall on Opening Night
EL Reading Fightin Phils

Murr's Three-Hit Debut Not Enough as Fightin Phils Fall on Opening Night

Published on April 2, 2026 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Akron, OH) - A three-hit night from Austin Murr in his Phillies organizational debut was not enough, as the Reading Fightin Phils (0-1) fell 3-1 to the Akron RubberDucks (1-0) in Thursday night's season opener at 717 Credit Union Park.

Akron got the scoring started with two runs in the bottom of the third inning. Angel Genao reached on a one-out single, and Ralphy Velasquez followed with a two-run home run, which proved to be the eventual game-winner.

The Ducks tacked on another in the bottom of the seventh inning to stretch their lead to 3-0, capitalizing on some defensive misfortune by the Fightin Phils. Jacob Cozart led off the inning with a double off Levi Stoudt, but was later out at third on a fielder's choice. Nick Mitchell reached on the fielder's choice and moved to second on an error by Stoudt on an attempted pickoff. With two outs, Alex Mooney reached on a throwing error by Carson DeMartini, which allowed Mitchell to score from second base.

Reading added a run in the top of the eighth inning. Carson DeMartini led off with a walk and went from first to third on a single by Bryan Rincon. Kehden Hettiger plated DeMartini with a sacrifice fly, but that was all Reading could muster in the frame, making it 3-1.

Adam Seminaris (L, 0-1) allowed two runs on four hits, with seven strikeouts in his Reading debut, while Colin Peluse, Levi Stoudt and Alex McFarlane combined to not allow any earned runs. Khal Stephen tossed four scoreless innings for Akron in a no-decision, as Matt Jachec (W, 1-0) picked up the win with two scoreless innings of relief.

The Fightin Phils return to the field on Friday at 7:17 p.m. at the Akron RubberDucks to continue this weekend's three-game series. RHP Kyle Brnovich will get the start for Reading, and he will go opposite LHP Josh Hartle for Akron. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home from Apr. 7-12 to begin their 2026 home schedule against the Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies). Tuesday is Opening Night, with the first 4,000 adults receiving a Baseballtown Connect jersey and hat combo, thanks to Penn State Health St. Joseph Medical Center - Honoring our Dedicated Staff, Feesers, Alarm Tech, and Achievement House Cyber Charter School. Wednesday is an Unsused Ticket Game, presented by Baseballtown Charities; and, Thursday is America's 250th Anniversary Celebration, with the Berks County Bell recognized. On Friday, fans receive a 32 oz. Collector Cup featuring Baseballtown Images & Retired Numbers, sponsored by Summers Nagy Law Offices and Axcess Industries. Saturday is the first fireworks show of the season, thanks to PA Virtual Charter School, Crime Alert Berks County, and Alvernia University. The series ends Sunday with a Luau Tribute with "Lilo & Stitch" Cobranded Merchandise Available.

Tickets to all games are available at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL, or in-person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

The 2026 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 April 2, 2026


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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