Reading review

It has not been a good week in the Phillies system, but this morning I will focus on Reading. There is some good news, but the results on the field have not been there. After losing 3 of 4 to Harrisburg this week, the R-Phils moved into Akron last night and Carlos Carassco and Brett Harker (recently promoted from Clearwater) gave up 8 runs each in the Aero's 16-6 win.

We begin on Tuesday, when Jason Donald got Reading off to a fast start with a 2-run homer in the 1st inning. It was Donald's 9th dinger and increased his RBI total to 38. Neil Sellers also homered(#9), Mike Spidale added 2 hits, Lou Marson picked up RBI #37, and Javon Moran stole his 18th base in 19 tries. Tyson Brummett made his second start for Reading, pitching 6 innings, allowing 4 runs on 9 hits and 2 walks, striking out 6. Joe Bisenius pitched a 1-2-3 7th, before Pat Overholt (2-3, 4.14) pitched the final 2 frames, allowing 3 earned runs and picking up the loss.

On Wednesday, the Phillies got their only win of the series, a 5-3 triumph behind strong pitching from Kip Bouknight. Bouknight went 6.1 innings, giving up 3 runs on 4 hits and 2 walks, getting no decision. Josh Outman came in to relieve him and walked 2 of the 3 men he faced before yielding to Bisenius. "Bis" restored order, throwing the final 2.2 innings to record his second win of the year and lower his ERA to an impressive 2.60. Mike Eylward had a single, a double and 3 RBI, and Jeremy Slayden drove in the other 2 runs, to make it 50 RBI on the year for Slay.

Slayden continued hot on Thursday, going 3 for 3 in the Senator's 6-2 win in the series finale. Fabio Castro suffered his first loss of the year, allowing 4 runs in 5.2 innings. Brad Harman picked up 2 more hits, he has been coming on lately, and the Phillies hit the road for Akron.

Friday's opener in Akron was not one of Carassco's best outings. Only 3 innings, 8 runs (7 earned) on 7 hits and 3 walks, to fall to 5-7, 4.18 for the year. Moran (.276) picked up 2 more hits and Slayden drove in 3 more runs (53 for those who are counting). Harker made his Reading debut and was shell shocked!! 8 earned runs on 10 hits in just 2 innings. Hang in there, Hark, things can only get better!!

In another note from Friday, Randy Ruiz belted his 11th home run of the year for Rochester in the Red Wings 4-2 loss. Randy is batting .298, with 46 RBI for the Minnesota affiliate.