Reading can clinch a spot today

In Binghamton, the Reading Phillies moved a little closer to the playoffs with a 6-5 win over the Mets Saturday. Mike Spidale (.326, 2 RBI), Matt Rizzotti and Derrick Mitchell all had 2 hits for Reading, now leads New Britain (who split 2 games with Trenton) by 1 game with 2 to play. After 3+ shaky inning by Joe Esposito (5 runs, 3 earned, on 8 hits), Chris Kissock came on to settle things down and allow the R-Phils to rally. Kissock earned his 3rd win with 4 shut out innings in which he struck out 6.

In Portland, New Hampshire is tuning up for the playoff, putting an 11-0 beating on the Sea Dogs. Both Kevin Howard and Travis d'Arnaud homered for the Cats. For Travis (.311) it was his 21st home run of the year................In Huntsville, Darren Byrd (2.95) threw 3 innings in relief, and allowed 1 UNearned run on 3 hits, striking out 3 along the way in for the Stars in their 6-5 loss to Mobile..............In San Antonio, Jonathan Villar had 3 hits, including 2 doubles, for Corpus Christi in their 11-1 loss to the Missions. Josh Zeid threw 2 perfect innings to finish it for the Hooks.........In Lancaster, Jonathan Singleton had 2 RBI with 2 sac flies, and also walked 2 time in the JetHawks' 11-3 win over Lake Elsinore. Singleton is hitting .339 since being traded.

Jonathan Pettibone had his final start of the year shortened to 2 innings by a rain delay. "Bone" finishes 10-11 with a nice 2.96 ERA on the year. Juan Sosa came on and threw 4 good innings, allowing just 1 run on 2 hits and 1 walk. The listless Threshers lost 6-2, with D'Arby Myers getting 2 of their 5 hits on the night. It has been hard for Myers to get playing time again this year, but he has remained ready and has played well when called upon.

Lisalberto Bonilla threw 5 shut out innings in his final game of the season, allowing just 4 hits and 2 walks. Mike McGuire gave up the lead late and the Claws lost, 6-5. Zack Collier (.254) was 3 for 3 with a sacrifice, and stole his 34th base, and Cameron Rupp had 2 hits, including his 4th home run of the year, driving in all 5 runs for Lakewood.