Cozens makes history as Reading clinches division title

Dylan Cozens, image- Jay Floyd

TRENTON-- Outfielder Dylan Cozens launched a three-run home run in the third inning Saturday and the Reading Fightins (88-51) never looked back against the host Thunder, clinching first place in their division and home field advantage in next week's Double-A Eastern League Division Series.
Cozens, a 22-year-old lefty masher, launched three-run shot to right, his 39th, putting the Fightin Phils up 3-1 over the Thunder in the third frame and kept them in the rear view mirror the rest of the way.

The long ball was the 39th of the season for Cozens which pushed him past Darin Ruf (2012) for the Reading single season home run record.

Cozens, the Phillies' 2nd round draft selection from 2011, is the favorite to be named as the Eastern League's Most Valuable Player, as he sports a .277 average with 39 homers and 123 RBI in 132 games played this season.

In the contest veteran Jake Fox slugged his 23rd home run of the season while center fielder Aaron Brown drove in three runs to pad the score and help the Fightin Phils lock down the 10-5 win.

On the mound, Phillies hurler Alec Asher tossed four innings, allowing two earned runs while allowing five hits and a walk. The righty struck out five Thunder batters.

While the Fightins clinched the division in Trenton, it was what some Reading players consider a home game on the road, as there is always plenty of red in the crowd in support of the team from 90 minutes away.

"It always great to have that support system out here, cheering us on," Brown stated. "It's great to see fans out here supporting us every game. We love the fans that come out and want to watch us play and it's just exciting."

The teams will wrap up the regular season with two more games scheduled for Sunday and Monday leading to the best-of-five ELDS, which kicks off with two games in Trenton on Wednesday night.

Comments

What the hell else was I going to write about...?

It will be too late for many people's liking, but it's really about time to NEVER USE BRAD LIDGE IN A SAVE SITUATION ON THE ROAD AGAIN. Lidge in 2009 road games- 0-6, 8.10 ERA, 15 saves, 10 blown saves. One of my favorite statistics that I regularly update here on PhoulBallz is the percentage of games that Brad Lidge has allowed earned runs in this season, compared to the 18% he allowed in 2008. This year, Lidge has allowed earned runs in 43% of his outings. And, as a reminder, in 2007 Brett Myers allowed earned runs in just 21% of his relief appearances. Considering Lidge's season-long struggles, what is the solution when Brett Myers is ailing with a back muscle/shoulder injury, when Chan Ho Park has an injured hamstring, when Ryan Madson looks just as inept in the 9th inning as Brad Lidge seems and when JC Romero is still unavailable to pitch due to a forearm injury? Well, on Wednesday night, with Hanley Ramirez batting with two outs and the tying run on 3rd base, your an...

Watch Out For the Bat Boy

Stop ice grillin' the Phillies players, bat boy. I am watching YOU. I don't know what is on your mind, bat boy, but don't even think about doing something slick. You might wear the Phillies' uniform, but it is clear that you are a Yankees fan. It's all over your pale little "I wanna grow up to be like the Robert De Niro character in The Fan " face. The World Champs should be cautious around this kid. He could be dangerous. ------------------------------------------- Follow PhoulBallz.com on Twitter HERE !

Greatest Comeback I've Ever Witnessed

I was lucky enough to be in the building for the Phillies' game 4 NLCS walk off victory. I would like to write about it as though I'm reporting on it. I'd love to be able to jot down a story and go off to bed, like I did after game 3, but I don't think that is possible. I feel like I did last year following game 5.2 of the World Series. I was up all night, unable to come down off of that Phillies high. I have the same feeling right now. You all know what happened. I don't need to tell you all a story about the game. It's very likely you've got the image of Jimmy Rollins lacing that double off Jonathan Broxton burned in you brain, frame by frame already. I know I do. With two outs in the bottom of the 9th inning, my lady began to collect her things, strapping her purse on across herself. I shot her a quick look as though to convey, "What are you doing?" She shot back, "I'm getting ready to go." I replied, "I'm getting ready to...

PhoulBallz.com

Search This Blog