EL1 Reading Fightin Phils

Williams, Knapp homer twice

Published on August 5, 2015 under Eastern League (EL1)
Reading Fightin Phils News Release


Nick Williams hit two home runs in his Fightin Phils debut while Chase Utley recorded three hits behind Ben Lively's (8-7) start. The Fightin Phils (60-50) defeated the Trenton Thunder (58-52) 11-1 as every Fightin Phil reached base. Andrew Knapp also hit two home runs.

Williams, JP Crawford and Chase Utley all walked to begin the game by the hands of Thunder starter Eric Ruth. Brock Stassi recorded his 70th RBI as he reached on a fielder's choice and scored Williams that gave Reading a 1-0 lead. Ben Lively retired the side in the bottom of the first inning. He issued a walk in the bottom of the second inning, got a 4-6-3 double play and another groundout to keep it a 1-0 lead for Reading.

Williams led off the top of the third inning, stole second base then advanced to third base on a throwing error by Thunder catcher Francisco Arcia. Crawford hit him home with a sacrifice fly then Utley reached first base on a single. Stassi popped out to catcher Arcia for the second out then Andrew Knapp hit a two-run home run to give Reading a 4-0 lead.

Dante Bichette Jr hit a solo home run off Lively in the bottom of the third inning that cut Reading's lead to 4-1. Reading scored four runs in the top of the fourth inning to take an 8-1 lead. Harold Martinez hit a RBI single that scored Brian Pointer for the first run of the inning. Williams in the following at-bat hit a two-run home run, his first as a Fightin Phil. Crawford walked in the next at-bat that chased Ruth out of the game. Tayor Garrison entered the game for Trenton and gave up a single to Utley then Stassi hit a sacrifice fly that scored Crawford.

Williams hit a solo home run off Garrison in the top of the sixth inning to give Reading a 9-1 lead. The home run was his second of the game. Knapp also hit a solo home run in the top of the seventh inning off reliever Evan Rutckj to extend the lead to 10-1. The home run was also his second of the game. Lively allowed just one run in six innings. Tom Windle entered the game in the bottom of the seventh inning.

Williams hit a double for his fourth hit of the night off Rutckj in the top of the eighth inning. Utley recorded his third hit of the night, a RBI double that gave Reading an 11-1 lead. Windle pitched just one inning and passed the baton to Reinier Roibal who pitched the eighth inning. Stephen Shackleford finished out the game as he retired the side in the bottom of the ninth inning.

The Fightin Phils and Trenton Thunder wrap up their series on Thursday night at Arm & Hammer Park. First pitch is at 7:00 pm. Fans can listen to the game on CBS Sports Radio 1240 AM/98-5 FM and fightins.com beginning at 6:30 pm.

Tickets for the 2015 season are available online at Fightins.com, by phone at 610-370-BALL, and in-person at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Check out the Reading Fightin Phils Statistics

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Eastern League Stories from August 5, 2015


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