Thursday, May 21, 2009

Reading Recap, another Romero sighting

After 2 games in Allentown, I saw Reading drop a pair of games Tuesday and Wednesday. Tuesday evening was a night to forget for Tyson Brummett. He gave up hits to the first 6 hitters (including 2 home runs) in the top of the 1st inning before ever recording an out. In all, 2+ IP, and a total of 9 runs allowed, as Reading lost 14-6. (I am sure if we had kicked that extra point, we would have been right in that game!?)

Ok, silver linings from Tuesday: Quintin Berry had 3 hits, as did Brad Harman. In fact Harman had a single, an RBI double and a 3-run home run. Alex Concepcion came in for Brummett with no outs in the 3rd, and gave us 4 innings, allowing just 1 run. Francisco Butto threw the final 2 frames, but Reading could never get close.

Other Tuesday accomplishments included Josh Outman throwing 3-hit shut out ball in Toronto for 6 innings, and Cole Hamels picking up his second win in Cincinnati, with support from Ryan Howard , who hit his 9th homer. For me, Tuesday highlight of the night came in the Astros' game where Michael Bourn kept himself in a rundown between first and second long enough to allow Kaz Matsui to steal home. Then, when the defense divided their attention, Bourn returned safely to first base in a masterful job of baserunning. If you have not seen this highlight, it is worth looking for.

Back to Reading, where on a beautiful Wednesday morning, Joe Savery took the hill for the R-Phils. Joe pitched well, 6 IP, just 3 runs, but trailed 3-0 early. J.C. Romero pitched a scorleless inning for Reading. The Phillies clawed back, getting 3 hits from Mike Spidale (.325) and 2 from Gus Milner, tying the game in the 7th. Then Berry led off the 8th with a bunt single, stole second (#11), went to third on an error and scored on a line single to right by Michael Taylor, and with Mike Zagurski on the mound, heading to the 9th with the lead. The inning started out innocently enough, with a ground ball single to deep short. Then 2 consecutive New Britain hitters bunted and neither was retired, and the inning turned into a 3-run game winning rally for the Rock Cats. Recently promoted Chance Chapman came in to bail out Zag, but Reading could not score in the 9th.

The BlueClaws won their game in Charleston, West Virginia 4-3. Troy Hanzawa had 3 hits, and Jim Murphy, Travis D'Arnaud and Anthony Gose added 2 hits each. Anthony also stole his 25th base. Heitor Correa pitched well, but the win went to Justin De Fratus, who threw 1.2 more scoreless innings, lowering his ERA to 1.39. The 'Claws, winners of 7 of 9, wrap up their road trip tonight looking for the sweep in "The Toast Man's House". Lakewood is in first place, leading Greensboro by 2.5 games. Greensboro will invade Lakewood for 4 games beginning Friday night!

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