EL Reading Fightin Phils

R-Phils Swept by Richmond in Season Opening Series

Published on April 9, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Richmond, VA) - An early lead wasn't enough, as the Reading Fightin Phils dropped the third game of its season-opening series 7-3 to the Richmond Flying Squirrels on Sunday afternoon.

The R-Phils got the scoring starting in the top of the first. Carlos De La Cruz singled with two outs and that was followed by a home run from McCarthy Tatum over the left field fence to jump ahead 2-0. In the second, Cody Roberts drove home Matthew Kroon with a ground ball single up the middle to put Reading up 3-0.

Richmond threatened in the bottom of the second with bases loaded and nobody out. But Kroon made an impressive catch at third and that was followed by a strikeout and flyout for Josh Hendrickson to escape the inning.

The Flying Squirrels exploded back for five runs in the bottom of the third. It started with three-straight singles from Richmond, the third of which was from Brett Auerbach to score Luis Matos. Then, an error on a likely double-play ball from Oliver Dunn scored Patrick Bailey. A couple more singles and a throwing error by Reading shortstop Cam Cannon drove home a couple more runs to make it 5-3 at the end of the third inning.

Richmond tacked on a couple of more runs off Brett Schulze in the bottom of the sixth. Two-straight two-out hits by Brett Auerbach and Tyler Fitzgerald, the latter being a double down the left-field line, put Richmond up 7-3.

Both teams' bats remained quiet the rest of the day as Richmond held on for the win and an opening-weekend sweep over the R-Phils.

Nick Swiney, who was strong in relief, earned the win with three innings of work. Swiney allowed just one hit and struck out three batters. The loss went to Reading's starter Hendrickson, who pitched three innings and allowed five runs, with only one being earned. Mason Black got the start for Richmond and allowed three earned runs over four innings. Black picked up six strikeouts.

At the plate, De La Cruz and Tatum both registered two hits to pace the R-Phils offense. The rest of the Reading lineup struggled with two combined hits.

Reading returns home Tuesday at 6:45 against Hartford for its home opener. Tickets are still available and can be purchased online at rphils.com/tickets, by calling 610-370-BALL or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office.

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Eastern League Stories from April 9, 2023


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