READING, PA. – The Reading Fightin Phils (55-59, 25-20) lost to the Portland Sea Dogs (59-55, 24-22) by a score of 7-5 at Hadlock Field. This is the first of six games this week between the Eastern League-Northeast foes.
Portland got on the board in the first, as Jack Winnay hit a line drive single to right field to score Justin Gonzalez. This gave the Sea Dogs an early 1-0 nod.
The Red Sox Double-A affiliate doubled up its lead in the fourth stanza. Henry Godbout (1) swatted a solo home run to left center field, bolstering Portland’s advantage to 2-0.
Roman Anthony (1) was rehabbing with the Sea Dogs, marking a return after he tore a ligament in his finger back in May. The 2022 2nd round (Competitive Balance C) pick crushed a two-run home run to right field in the fifth inning, plating Max Ferguson.
Brooks Brannon followed up by smacking his 25th double of the season, sending Winnay trotting home to make the game 5-0.
Reading got on the board in the sixth inning, as Raylin Heredia (21) homered on a fly ball to left field, scoring Pedro León. Heredia’s 21st homer of the season is the second most of any R-Phils player (behind Alex Binelas).
Carson DeMartini (6) followed up with a solo home run later in the frame. It’s the Phillies No. 24 prospect’s second round-tripper since returning from the IL. This made the game 5-3.
Portland fought back in the bottom half of the inning. Brannon punched a single through the infield to score Ahbram Liendo before a Ronald Rosario fielder’s choice sent Winnay home for the seventh run.
The Fightins entered the ninth inning down four runs, but they found some late fight. Heredia kept his impressive night going, singling to right field to score Phillies No. 5 prospect Bryan Rincon and Luke Ritter. Binelas stepped up with runners on second and third and two outs, and he hit a hard lineout to center field to end the ball game.
Portland starter Dalton Rogers (2-4) got the win, going 5.1 innings of two-run ball with a walk and eight strikeouts in the evening.
Reading hurler Luke Russo (9-8) took the loss, relinquishing five runs over five innings with three walks and three strikeouts.
Heredia stood out the most of any R-Phils hitter, going 3-for-5 with a home run and a team-best four runs batted in.
Despite the loss, the Fightin Phils still hold a 1.5 game lead over the Sea Dogs for the division lead.
Reading returns to the field on Wednesday against the Portland Sea Dogs at 6 p.m. LHP Adam Seminaris will start for Reading, and he will go opposite RHP Steven Brooks for Portland.