Skip to main content

Reading Drops Game 3 Despite Martin Gem

Disappointed and dejected, Ethan Martin stood at his locker following Reading's 3-1 loss in game 3 of the Eastern League division series. The defeat put the R-Phils on the brink of elimination from the postseason, as Trenton grabbed a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

The 23-year-old Martin, who was acquired by the Phillies in July, in the Shane Victorino trade, struck out 11 Thunder batters while walking none over 7 2/3 innings, although he was charged with 3 runs, only one of which was earned as he took his first loss since joining the Phillies organization. Martin had posted a 5-0 record with a 3.18 ERA in the Eastern League this seaso.

Trenton's David Adams slapped an RBI single with two outs in the 8th inning that snapped a 1-1 tie and put the Yankees' Double-A affiliate up for good. The inning began with a single by Tyler Austin, who was then sacrificed to second. A grounder by Adonis Garcia that was mishandled by third baseman Cody Asche put runners on first and second with one out. Ramon Flores then flied out and it seemed as though Martin, who dominated for the previous six innings, would work out of the jam. However, Adams came through with the big hit and ended Martin's night.

Right-hander Tyler Knigge then came on in relief of Martin and served up another run scoring hit to Zoilo Almonte, that capped the scoring and put Trenton up 3-1.

"I went out there and did the best I could. I just didn't make my pitches. I mean, I didn't get them inside, or where ever they needed to be and they capitalized on it," Martin said following an outing that most pitchers would exit with a W instead of an L.

Thunder pitching held the R-Phils to just five hits and one run for the second consecutive game, following Reading's game 1 victory on Thursday night.

Trenton kicked off the scoring in the opening frame of the contest when Flores came home on an RBI double by Almonte. The Thunder threatened to do more damage, but a single up the middle by Addison Maruszak was cut off by Reading shortstop Troy Hanzawa before it left the infield. The San Diego State product then gunned down Almonte, after he rounded third to thwart the danger.

Reading evened the score in the 3rd inning when Asche plated Tyson Gillies with an RBI double. Asche would record three of Reading's five safeties on the night.

Lee Hyde picked up the win for Trenton, as he tossed a scoreless inning in relief of Thunder starter Mikey O'Brien and Tom Kahnle, who combined for seven innings of four-hit ball.

The two teams face off in game 4 on Saturday at 7:05 PM when Reading lefty Adam Morgan (4-1, 3.53 ERA) will take on Thunder left-hander Nik Turley (1-0, 5.40 ERA) at Trenton's Waterfront Park.

Prior to game 3, Reading placed utility man Jake Fox on the inactive list, as his wife went into labor. At home in Michigan, Fox and his wife are new parents to a baby boy. He was replaced on the roster by catcher John Hill.

_____________________________________________

You can follow PhoulBallz on Twitter by clicking HERE.

Also connect with PhoulBallz on Facebook by clicking HERE.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Jersey Shore clinches playoff berth on final day of regular season

Ottto Kemp, image- Jay Floyd With an extra-inning victory over first-half division champions Hudson Valley on Sunday, the Class A Advanced Jersey Shore BlueClaws clinched the team's first playoff appearance since 2018, winning the second-half division title. Key performers in the BlueClaws' clincher were righty hurler Jason Ruffcorn, who threw three innings of relief to earn the victory and third baseman Otto Kemp, notched three hits, a walk, two stolen bases and plated the game winning run in the 11th inning on a sacrifice fly.  On top of that, Kemp, who turned 24-years-old on Saturday, made an absolute game-saving defensive play to help the club hold their lead in the bottom of the 11th frame. One of Jersey Shore's most consistent performers all season long has been right-handed reliever Cam Wynne.  The Phillies' 20th round draft pick in 2021 out of Nebraska.  In 34 appearances, one start, the 24-year-old tallied a 1-1 record with one save, a 2.44 ERA and a .190 batti

PhoulBallz Interview: BlueClaws OF Justin Crawford

Justin Crawford w/ junior reporter Evan At the age of 19, outfielder Justin Crawford has played his way into the conversation of being considered as one of baseball's top prospects. The son of four-time MLB All-Star Carl Crawford, Justin has looked every bit as impressive as his position as the 17th overall draft selection last year would have most fans thinking he should be.  He opened the season with Class A Clearwater where, in 69 games, he notched a .344/.399/.478 slash line.  And since mid-August when he was promoted to Class A Advanced Jersey Shore, the younger Crawford has posted a .300/.364/.440 line.  He's also stolen 44 bases in 52 attempts overall. And while the BlueClaws enter the final week of the regular season 1/2 game out of first place in their division, I spoke with Justin Crawford about the team's hopes of making the postseason for the first time since 2018. I also asked Justin about the similarities and differences between his skillset and his father'

RHP Pipkin headed to AFL after hot August

After completing what was easily the best month of his career, righty hurler Dominic Pipkin is ready to face the tough competition of the prominent Arizona Fall Leage.   Pipkin, who was the Phillies' 9th round draft selection in 2018, has had moderate success in his five years as a pro, posting a 4.93 ERA, a 7.6 K/9 mark and a .260 batting average against mostly at the lower levels on the minors. After missing time this year with an unspecified ailment, the six-foot-four 170-pounder proved to be healthy as he dominated AA competition in nine appearances with the Reading Fightin Phils during August.  Pipkin's impressive production resulted in a 1-0 record with a save and a 0.96 ERA while striking out eight and walking three in 9 1/3 innings. The California native says his efforts to improve have helped him touch 100 MPH on the radar gun, while his fastball velocity is mostly around 96 MPH.   Pipkin's arsenal includes that improved fastball as well as a slider while his curve