Game Recap: Ponies Drop Series Opener against Reading

 

BINGHAMTON, NY – Simon Muzziotti's two-out two-run double in the top of the third was the difference for the Reading Fightin Phils (45-64) as they pulled out a 2-1 win over the Rumble Ponies (46-57) in the series opener Tuesday night at Mirabito Stadium (Box Score). The Ponies have lost four in a row.

In the third, Jose Butto walked the leadoff hitter Luke Miller and hit Grenny Cumana with a pitch to put the first two hitters on. After a sacrifice bunt by Matt Kroon, Butto struck out Bryson Stott. With second and third and two out Muzziotti in his Double-A debut hit the go-ahead two-run double to account for Reading's lone runs of the night.

The Ponies would score in the bottom of the seventh on a Yoel Romero RBI single. That set up runners on the corners with one out, but LHP Kyle Dohy came in and struck out Raul Beracierta and Edgardo Fermin to end the inning.

Reading starter Francisco Morales (4-13) gets the win allowing only one hit over five scoreless innings with one walk and nine strikeouts. After allowing a leadoff single to Hayden Senger, Brian Marconi retired the next three batters to earn his 14^th save of the year. Butto (3-2) takes the loss allowing two runs over three innings.

The Rumble Ponies bullpen combined for six scoreless innings allowing only two hits and striking out 12. RHP Brian Metoyer pitched two scoreless frames allowing one hit, two walks, and striking out six. RHP Josh Hejka allowed one hit over three innings with no walks and three strikeouts and RHP: Bryce Montes de Oca struck out the side in a perfect ninth.

The Rumble Ponies continue their series with the Fightins on Wednesday night with first pitch at 6:35 PM.

POSTGAME NOTES: Senger was 1-2 with a run scored and 2 walks…Ponies pitchers struck out fifteen hitters combined…Muzziotti finished 2-4 with 2 RBI in his Double-A debut for Reading.