Reading 9 - Binghamton 6

Matt Oberste launched a grand slam in a five-run eighth inning, but the Binghamton Mets’ comeback bid fell short in a 9-6 loss to the Reading Fightin Phils on Wednesday afternoon at FirstEnergy Stadium. Reading tagged Mickey Jannis for a season-high seven runs to complete the three-game sweep. Binghamton suffered their fifth straight loss and their dropped seventh in a row to the Fightin Phils.

Trailing by a half-dozen runs, the B-Mets finally got their offense in gear in the eighth against Tom Windle. The first three batters in the inning reached on seeing-eye singles setting the table for Oberste’s bases-clearing blast to right field. Dominic Smith pulled the B-Mets within a run later in the inning with a pinch-hit sac fly against Yacksel Rios.

The B-Mets had the potential tying run 90 feet away, but Derrik Gibson was rung up by first base umpire John Mang on a disputed check swing to end the inning.

Reading plated two insurance runs in the eighth and Miguel Nunez worked a perfect ninth to solidify the sweep.

The B-Mets were forced to play from behind after the Fightin Phils made their offensive push against Jannis in the fourth. With two aboard, KC Serna broke a tie game by poking a two-run single into right field.

Reading sent eight men to the plate and stretched their lead in the fifth. Following an RBI double by Angelo Mora, the B-Mets intentionally walked Serna to load the bases for Reading starter Nick Pivetta. The plan failed as Pivetta smoked a two-run single into center, providing the highlight for Reading’s four-run inning.

Jannis (1-2) exited after the laborious fifth inning. The righty allowed seven runs (six earned) on six hits, both Double-A career-high totals. Jannis walked four and hit three batters in his fifth straight winless start.

Pivetta (3-2) held the B-Mets to one run over six innings. The righty surrendered three hits and escaped a bases-loaded jam in the sixth to earn his second win in as many starts. Nunez collected his second save.