7-run 5th inning lifts Sea Dogs past Fightin Phils

Portland seized the series finale with a resounding 9-3 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils on Sunday in Reading, Pennsylvania, fueled by a historic fifth inning.

The Sea Dogs exploded for seven runs in the fifth, capped by a barrage of three home runs. Johanfran Garcia launched a three-run shot, Stanley Tucker followed with a two-run homer, and Nelly Taylor added a solo blast to cap the offensive outburst. All three bats found their way against Reading starter Kyle Brnovich, who was tagged for seven earned runs and seven hits in just 4 2/3 innings. Brnovich, whose record fell to 1-6, took the loss for the visiting squad.

Beyond his power display, Garcia finished the game with three hits, while Tucker and Taylor each contributed two hits to the cause. The explosive performance propelled the Sea Dogs to an even 31-31 record.

Providing the foundation for the win was Portland pitcher John Holobetz, who pitched a pristine six innings of three-hit shutout ball. Earning the victory with a 3-3 record, Holobetz struck out six batters and walked just one, keeping the Reading lineup completely at bay for the majority of the contest.

The only run the Fightin Phils managed came in the form of a solo homer by Alex Binelas, a former Sea Dog. The bat found the ballpark for Reading (28-35), but it was far too little, too late as the Fightin Phils fell to their third consecutive loss.