READING, Pa. – Chris Suero drove in four runs, while Binghamton’s pitching staff held Reading to one run on three hits as the Rumble Ponies (28-26) defeated the Fightin Phils (31-22), 5-1, on Friday night at FirstEnergy Stadium.
Binghamton jumped out to a 3-0 lead against Phillies No. 1 prospect, right-hander Gage Wood (L, 0-3). Shortstop Marco Vargas led-off the contest with a double, as third baseman Jacob Reimer walked to set up center fielder Chris Suero who clubbed a three-run home run.
Suero has 18 home runs on the season, and is two homers shy of joining the 20-20-20 club (20 2B, 33 SB).
Right-hander Will Watson made his first Double-A start since May 5 against Hartford, after being activated from the 60-day injured list on Thursday.
In the second inning, Reading scored their only run against Watson, as third baseman Carson DeMartini laced an RBI double. Watson allowed one hit, one earned run and struck out two batters over three innings. He threw 36 pitches and 17 were for strikes.
Binghamton added two runs on three hits in the third inning against Wood to take a 5-1 lead. Vargas singled, but was taken off the bases when second baseman Jefferson Rojas grounded into a fielder's choice. Reimer followed with a single and Suero delivered again, this time with an RBI single. Designated hitter Eli Serrano III brought in Reimer one batter later with a groundout.
Wood went 5.0 innings for the third straight start. He surrendered five runs across six hits, but struck out seven batters.
Right-hander Bryce Jenkins (W, 3-0) pitched a perfect fourth inning with a strikeout and has gone scoreless in six straight appearances. Left-hander Gabby Rodriguez followed with a scoreless frame in the fifth.
Binghamton right-hander Douglas Orellana pitched two scoreless frames with just one hit to keep Binghamton in-front 5-1 through seven innings. To do it, first baseman Corey Collins threw Pedro Leon out at home plate after right fielder Raylin Heredia beat out an infield single. Catcher Kevin Parada had a wonderful scoop to tag out Leon.
Reading right-hander Aaron Combs followed suit and pitched 2.0 perfect innings with two strikeouts. Against Reading right-hander Evan Gates, Binghamton loaded the bases with three walks, but Collins grounded out to end the frame.
In the eighth inning, Binghamton right-hander Carlos Guzman loaded the bases all with two outs and was taken out, for right-hander Garrett Stratton (S, 5). The tying run in Heredia, had the bases loaded but Stratton struck him out to end the inning.
Stratton got the ball in the ninth inning and after he surrendered a lead-off walk to first baseman Alex Binelas, second baseman Aroon Escobar grounded into a double-play and Stratton struck out DeMartini to secure the save.
The Rumble Ponies continue a six-game series with the Reading Fightin Phils (Double-A, Philadelphia Phillies) on Saturday at First Energy Stadium with a double-header. First pitch of game one is set for 4:00 p.m and game two will be played 40 minutes after the conclusion of game one.
The game will be broadcast on News Radio 1290 AM & 92.1 FM, and on the WNBF News Radio App.
Postgame Notes: Suero 18th home run in 4 RBI night (2-for-4, R, HR, 4 RBI)...Vargas fifth game in August with at least 3 hits (3-for-5, R, 2B, 3B)...Reimer reached base three times (1-for-2, 2 R, 2 BB)...Parada (1-for-4)...Watson first start at Double-A since May 5 vs Hartford (3.0 IP, 1 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 SO)...Jenkins six straight scoreless appearances (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 SO)...Rodriguez (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO)...Orellana (2.0 IP, 1 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 0 SO)...Stratton (1.2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO).