RubberDucks Battle Back to Hand Fightin Phils Friday Night Loss

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Reading Fightin Phils

RubberDucks Battle Back to Hand Fightin Phils Friday Night Loss

August 9, 2024 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Akron, OH) - Seven unanswered runs from the Akron RubberDucks (25-11; 62-43) led them to an 8-7 win over the Reading Fightin Phils (13-23; 44-60) on Friday night from Canal Park. With the loss, Reading has now dropped four straight games and the first three contests of this week's series.

The Fightin Phils struck first with four runs in the top of the first inning. Justin Crawford worked a leadoff walk, but the next two hitters were quickly retired. Carson Taylor then launched his 15th home run of the season to make it 2-0, Reading. Otto Kemp was then hit by a pitch, Ethan Wilson singled and Trevor Schwecke reached on catchers' interference to load the bases, still with two outs. Josh Breaux followed with a two-run single to cap off a four-run first frame.

Akron scored a run in the bottom of the second. Joe Lampe reached on a two-out walk, then scored when Kody Huff doubled to center field. That was the only run Jean Cabrera allowed as he was strong over five innings, allowing just two hits, one walk, and striking out five.

Reading then scored two more in the fourth and one in the top of the fifth. Marcus Lee Sang led off the inning with a walk, then scored when Gabriel Rincones Jr. hit his sixth home run of the year, a two-run shot. Kemp led off the fifth inning with a double and scored on a single from Breaux, making it 7-1.

From there, it was all Akron. The RubberDucks started the comeback with two runs in the bottom of the seventh. Khalil Watson homered to bring home Chase DeLauter.

In the eighth, Akron scored five runs to take the lead. Wesley Moore began the inning by walking four straight batters and allowing four earned runs. He would be replaced by Nelson L. Alvarez (L, 0-1), who made his Reading debut. Alvarez allowed the inherited runners to score and also was charged with an earned run as well. Andrew Schultz followed Alvarez and struck out the lone hitter he faced to end the five-run eighth inning.

Jack Leftwich (S, 8) tossed a scoreless ninth to finish off the comeback win for Akron. Mason Hickman (W, 1-0) allowed no runs over two innings in relief.

The Fightin Phils return to the field Saturday against the Akron Rubber Ducks, Double-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, at 5:05 p.m. for a doubleheader. RHP Robinson Pina and RHP Seth Johnson are scheduled to pitch for Reading, and they will go opposite RHP Tommy Mace and RHP Trenton Denholm for Akron. A video stream is available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

The Fightin Phils return home from Tuesday, August 13, through Sunday, August 18, against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, Double-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays. On Tuesday, the first 2,000 adults will receive an Alec Bohm bobblehead with his walk-up song, presented by FirstEnergy Stadium. The first 2,000 adults will get a Bryson Stott R-Phils Jersey T-Shirt on Wednesday, thanks to Rotary House Print Works. Thursday is Recovery Awareness Night, presented by Berks Counseling Center and SOS Berks. It will also feature an appearance by former Bachelorette Contestant Zac Clark. Thursday and Friday both also feature fireworks and Friday's show is sponsored by PA Virtual Charter School, Alvernia University, and Reading Truck. Saturday is the 26th Annual Harley Night and the evening will conclude with fireworks, thanks to American Crane and Equipment Corporation. The series ends Sunday with a Ranger Suarez bobblehead for the first 1,500 kids, thanks to Penn State Health St. Joseph.

To buy tickets, call 610-370-BALL, go to rphils.com/tickets, or in person at the Customers Bank Ticket Office. The Fightin Phils Brentwood Industries Team Store is open both in-person and online 24/7 at rphils.com/shop.

The 2024 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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