July 12-13

Thursday afternoon: Jamie Burkholder joined me for the drive to Reading as the R-Phils hosted the Bowie Baysox (the Orioles' EL affiliate). After a 1-5 road trip the downbeat continued for the R-Phils as the Baysox took it 3-1. Sebastian Valle's eighth-inning home run was the only marker for the home team, Julio Rodriguez started and took the loss. Over 7000 in attendance for (more) postgame fireworks but it was moot to Jamie and me because we were in the car and gone. On Friday Jamie rode along again for game #2, the R-Phils got back in the win column with a tough 7-6 verdict. Cody Asche hit a two-run homer, Cesar Hernnandez and Darin Ruf had RBI hits, Brandon Tripp picked up two ribbies on sacrifice flies and Leandro Castro plated a run on a bases-loaded walk. Trevor May started but was not involved in the decision, Jay Johnson won it in relief as newcomer Tyler Knigge saved it. Knigge was recently added from FSL Clearwater, he had been the closer there. 7300+ in the house for (yet another) fireworks show, but of course Jamie and I were out pronto and never looked back. The series continues on Saturday and wraps up on Sunday with our final afternoon home date of the season. Take care, thanks for reading.