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EL Reading Fightin Phils

Season High Six Innings from Zach Haake Leads Reading to Series Opening Victory

September 5, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, PA) - Six runs in the first inning was enough to give the Reading Fightin Phils (27-31, 55-71) the win over the Portland Sea Dogs (28-30, 68-59) 6-3 on Tuesday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The R-Phils jumped on Portland starting pitcher CJ Liu early in the ballgame. After a lead off walk from Nick Ward, Carlos De La Cruz skyrocketed a home run into the left field deck picnic area. De La Cruz's team-leading 23rd home run on the year gave Reading the 2-0 lead in the first.

The Fightins kept the bats going as all nine batters in the lineup came to the plate in the first. Oliver Dunn followed De La Cruz with a walk and later scored from a fielding error by Sea Dogs third basemen Tyler McDonough, adding to the lead 3-0. With Marcus Lee Sang and Casey Martin on the corners, Pedro Martinez blasted a home run of his own to blow the game open 6-0.

Reading starting pitcher Zach Haake had a stellar performance on the mound. The righty kept the Sea Dogs at bay, allowing only one hit and striking out four through six innings of work. This not only gave Haake a season high in innings pitched, but also matched a career high.

The Sea Dogs finally got a run on the board in the top of the seventh. Blaze Jordan got things going for Portland with a double off of reliever McKinley Moore. Jordan scored thanks to a single from Kyle Teel, cutting into the Reading lead 6-1.

Portland cut the lead in half in the top of the eighth. Keylan Killgore came in for relief of Moore, and found himself with the bases loaded with just one out in the inning. With runners on the move, Nathan Hickey scored two on a fielder's choice to the shortstop Martin to make it 6-3 Reading.

This was ultimately not enough as Orion Kerkering (S, 5) came in to close out the ninth and give Reading the win in game one of the series. Haake (2-4) got the win for the Fightin Phils, with Liu (5-8) suffering the loss. Kerkering closed another one out for Reading with his fifth save on the year since being called up from Jersey Shore.

Reading is back in action Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. against the Portland Sea Dogs (Red Sox) from FirstEnergy Stadium. RHP Mick Abel is scheduled to start for Reading, and RHP Angel Bastardo will start for Portland. Pregame coverage is underway at 6:30 p.m. and can be listened at rphils.com/radio. A video stream is also available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

Wednesday and Thursday are unused ticket games. Game worn jerseys will also be auctioned off this week, with Keystones on Thursday, Los Luchadores on Friday and Pinstripes on Saturday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday will all feature postgame fireworks as we close out the 2023 home schedule. Tickets to all games are still available at rphils.com/tickets, 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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Eastern League Stories from September 5, 2023


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