EL Reading Fightin Phils

Standout Performance from Reading Bullpen Key to Victory

May 13, 2023 - Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin Phils bullpen combined to allow just one run and get the win over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats 4-1 on Saturday night.

Six different R-Phils relief pitchers combined to get the job done in the victory. This was a standout game for the pen, after struggling the last few games.

The Fightin Phils scored first in the second inning off the bat of McCarthy Tatum. A solo shot to left field got Reading off to a hot start, putting the R-Phils up 1-0. Coming into Friday's game, Tatum had been in a bit of a slump, with a batting average of only .191 after starting the season well. This was Tatum's second home run of the season.

After two-strong innings from Cristian Hernandez, Zach Linginfelter was next up out of the Reading bullpen. Linginfelter kept the momentum going, only giving up one hit in two innings of work. 14 of his 16 pitches were thrown for strikes.

Reading could not capitalize with bases loaded in the fourth. Oliver Dunn started the inning off with a walk. Drew Ellis followed with a double to center field, moving Dunn over to third. Another walk from New Hampshire pitcher Juan Nunez loaded the bases with no outs. Matthew Kroon was unable to capitalize, grounding into a 5-2, fielder's choice, double play. Cody Roberts grounded out to end the inning.

The Fisher Cats were able to bounce back in the top of the fifth inning. Kelyan Killgore was the third pitcher of the night out of the bullpen for the Fightins. A solo shot from Zac Cook tied things up at one a piece. Killgore got the next batter he faced, Dylan Rock, out with a pop up to shortstop.

Reading counted and capitalized off New Hampshire mistakes in the bottom of the fifth. Juan Nunez started the inning in for relief to start the inning, walking the first batter he faced Madison Stokes. Nunez then hit the next batter, Carlos De La Cruz to put runners at first and second. Parker Caracci came in for relief for Nunez, who did not record an out. Johan Rojas moved the runners over after a ground out to second. After Dunn was intentionally walked, Ellis followed up with a ground ball to shortstop, getting Dunn out at second. A throwing error by the second baseman Luis De Los Santos allowed Stokes and De La Cruz to score, making it 3-1 Reading.

Reading added another in the bottom of the sixth inning. Kroon walked, and later stole second base. After Tatum moved the runner over to third, Cody Roberts came in clutch with a sacrifice fly to right field to score the run and put Reading up 4-1.

The Reading bullpen held the Fisher Cats off the in the final three innings. Adam McKay put in a strong performance in relief, striking out three batters and with no hits allowed in the sixth and seventh. Taylor Lehman was next, putting New Hampshire down 1-2-3 in the eighth and giving way to Brett Schulze to close things out.

Schulze closed the deal for Reading in the ninth inning. Schulze sent the Fisher Cats down in order to get his third save of the season, and the win for the Fightin Phils. Killgore picked up the win, improving to 2-1. Nunez was suffered the loss and is now 0-1.

With the win, Reading improves to 12-19, while New Hampshire drops to 16-15. The two teams are back in action to end the series Sunday evening at 5:15 p.m. LHP Josh Hendrickson is scheduled to start for Reading, opposite RHP Paxton Schultz for New Hampshire.

Women at Sunday's game will receive a "Mother's Day R-Phils Pink Hat," thanks to Reading Hospital McGlinn Cancer Institute. Tickets to all games, including Sundays, remain available but are going fast. Get yours 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 May 13, 2023


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