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EL Reading Fightin Phils

R-Phils' Late Rally Not Enough as Hartford Takes Game One of Series

April 11, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, PA) - Home runs from Baron Radcliff and Matthew Kroon weren't enough at the Reading Fightin Phils comeback effort fell short in a 8-6 loss to the Hartford Yard Goats on Tuesday night.

Reading welcomed in its home crowd of 6,417 with a fast start, including two runs in the bottom of the first inning. Johan Rojas and Oliver Dunn led off the home half of the game with back-to-back singles and McCarthy Tatum drove them in. Hartford responded with two runs in the top of the third to even the game at two. Hunter Goodman drove in both runs with a two-run double.

But, the R-Phils re-took the lead in the bottom of the third. Kroon belted a two-run home run to right, that scored Radcliff and put Reading back in front 4-2. After three scoreless innings from each side, Hartford took the lead for good thanks to crooked innings in the seventh and eighth. The Yard Goats rally was aided by home runs from both Bladimir Restituyo and Julio Carreras.

Reading responded with two runs of its own in the bottom of the eighth. The inning was highlighted by Radcliff's long home run over the right field wall, which injected life into the R-Phils. After a scoreless top of the ninth, Reading got a man on base, but couldn't get the tying run home to end the game 8-6.

The win went to Dugan Darnell for Hartford, who pitched two innings in relief. Andrew Schultz suffered the loss, after allowing four hits and three earned runs in the eight. Hartford's Nick Kuzia picked up the save thanks to a scoreless ninth inning.

David Parkinson got the start for Reading and impressed in his first game since 2021. Parkinson pitched five innings, allowing three hits and two-earned runs. Chris McMahon started for Hartford and exited after three innings, allowing four earned runs on six hits.

Rojas, Oliver Dunn and Kroon all registered two hits for Reading, who had a season-high nine hits. Hartford's offense was powered by Three hits from Restituyo and two from Zac Veen.

With the loss, Reading drops to 0-4 and Hartford jumps back to .500 at 2-2. The two teams return to action tomorrow night at FirstEnergy Stadium at 6:45 p.m. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at rphils.com, 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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