EL Reading Fightin Phils

Ward, Bullpen Ignite R-Phils Over Patriots

Published on August 19, 2023 under Eastern League (EL)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


(Reading, PA) - The Reading Fightin' Phils defeated the Somerset Patriots on Saturday evening, knocking off the Patriots 8-7. A seventh inning home run from Baron Radcliff, two-run single from Nick Ward and solid bullpen helped the R-Phils in front of a packed crowd at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Reading struck first in the bottom of the first inning. After Carlos De La Cruz was hit by a pitch and Oliver Dunn walked, Ethan Wilson roped a double to right field to score De La Cruz.

Somerset bounced back to take a 2-1 lead in the top of the second inning. Elijah Dunham and Josh Breaux each crushed home runs, continuing Somerset's hot bats from Friday night.

However, the R-Phils were able to take back a 5-2 lead in the bottom of the third inning. De La Cruz smoked a double to left field to begin the inning. Afterwards, Dunn homered to left-center field. Wilson kept the inning alive with a double to right field. Next, Marcus Lee Sang walked and Madison Stokes singled to score Wilson. Lee Sang scored on an error on the right fielder on the play.

The Patriots tied things back up in the top of the fourth inning. After Josh Breaux walked, Jesus Bastidas doubled on a line drive to left field and Aaron Palensky tripled to clear the bases. Palensky later scored on a passed ball to make it a 5-5 ballgame.

Tommy McCollum relieved Matt Osterberg to pitch the sixth inning. Osterberg lasted five innings, giving up four earned runs on five hits. Meanwhile, McCollum struck out one batter, throwing a hitless inning.

Reading regained the lead in the bottom of the sixth inning. Baron Radcliff homered to left-center field, giving the R-Phils a 6-5 lead.

Keylan Killgore took the ball from McCollum in the seventh inning. Killgore threw one inning, striking out two Somerset batters.

The R-Phils extended their lead in the bottom of the seventh inning. Lee Sang singled, Stokes was hit by a pitch, and Radcliff walked to load the bases. Nick Ward followed with a two-run single, giving Reading an 8-5 lead.

Reliever Dominic Pipkin did not give up a hit in the eighth inning for Reading, striking out one batter.

Orion Kerkering took the ball in the top of the ninth inning for Reading, but Somerset was not going down without a fight. Bastidas led off the inning with a single and Palensky homered to left field to bring the Patriots within one run. However, Kerkering buckled down to retire the last three batters to give Reading their second victory of the series.

Tommy McCollum earned the win for Reading to improve to 2-0 on the season. Jesus Liranzo suffered the loss for Somerset to fall to 2-3. Orion Kerkering was credited his second save in Double-A. With the win, Reading improves to 21-23 in the second half and Somerset falls to 24-18 in the second half with the loss.

Reading and Somerset are back in action for game six of this week's series Sunday at 5:15 p.m. LHP Josh Hendrickson is scheduled to start for Reading and he will go against RHP Blane Abeyta for the Patriots. Pregame coverage is underway at 5 p.m. at rphils.com/radio. A video steam is also available via MiLB TV or the Bally Live App.

On Sunday the first 1,500 kids will receive a Bryson Stott bobblehead. Tickets to all games are 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.

Check out the Reading Fightin Phils Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Eastern League Stories from August 19, 2023


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central