Sports

Rosin leads Fightin Phils over Portland in twin bill split

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:09:53 GMT

Seth Rosin was dominant in a 4-1 win over Portland on Tuesday night in game 1 of a double-header at FirstEnergy Stadium.

The righty went all seven innings, striking out five Sea Dogs and allowing just three hits improve his record to 4-4 this year.

Jim Murphy knocked in two runs in the fifth when it was a 2-1 game to put things on ice for Reading.

The game was delayed more than an hour due to rain at the start.

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The Sea Dogs responded in game 2 with a 3-0 shutout at FirstEnergy Stadium.

Charlie Haeger threw 5.2 shutout innings for Portland, limiting the Fightins to just 4 hits.

Berks County falls in Carpenter Cup opener

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 05:04:37 GMT

Tri-Cape defeated Berks County, 9-8, on Tuesday night in each team's Carpenter Cup opener.

Berks trailed by three a pair of times during the game. Eric Hartranft tied the game at 3 in the fifth inning.

After Tri-Cape grabbed a 6-3 lead, Hunter Wysocki drove in Connor Tom to once again knot the game up at 6 in the 6th inning.

Berks County took their only lead in the 7th when Dan Louviaux scored on an error to make it 7-6.

But Tri-Cape roared back to capture a 9-8 win late and eliminate Berks County from the Carpenter Cup.

Carlos Zambrano dominant in IronPigs win at Toledo

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:40:43 GMT

Carlos Zambrano was dominant in a 3-0 IronPigs win over Toledo on Tuesday night.

Zambrano tossed seven shutout innings, striking out six and scattering five hits to shut down the Mud Hens in his second start for Lehigh Valley.

Cesar Hernandez drove in two runs for the 'Pigs with Steve Susdorf adding the other.

The IronPigs will continue their series in Toledo on Wednesday night at 7:00.

Berks County falls in Carpenter Cup opener

Wed, 19 Jun 2013 03:29:17 GMT

The Berks County baseball team fell in the opening round of the Carpenter Cup, 9-8, to Tri-Cape on Tuesday morning at FDR Park in Philadelphia.

Berks came back from a pair of three-run deficits. In the 5th, they tied it at 3 when Eric Hartranft knocked in Josh Kline.

They tied it once again in the 6th inning. Trailing 6-3 entering the frame, Hunter Wysocki knocked in Connor Tom to knot things up.

Berks took its only lead of the game in the 7th when Dan Louviaux scored on an error to give Berks a 7-6 lead.

But Tri-Cape rallied late for a 9-8 win to eliminate Berks County from the Carpenter Cup.

Ruiz activated, Utley's destination clouded

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 22:34:41 GMT

Carlos Ruiz is back with the Phillies Tuesday following a successful rehab stint.

Ruiz, who rehabbed with the IronPigs over the weekend, told reporters that he expected to catch in Reading on Tuesday and Wednesday.

However, on Monday, Phillies General Manager Ruben Amaro said that Ruiz is progressing ahead of schedule and his timetable for a return to the Phils may move up.

Amaro also said that Chase Utley is expected to start a rehab assignment in the next day or two.

He didn't say where or when, but Reading would be the logical destination since the IronPigs are on the road this week.

Brown's walk-off hit seals Phllies win over Nats

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:29:12 GMT

Domonic Brown hit an RBI single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning and the Philadelphia Phillies beat the Washington Nationals 5-4 on Monday night.

The Nationals tied it at 4 when Chad Tracy hit a solo homer with two outs in the ninth off closer Jonathan Papelbon (1-0). It was the first blown save for Papelbon, who had converted his previous 13 chances.

Ben Revere led off the Phillies' ninth with a single against Fernando Abad (0-2). Revere was running on Jimmy Rollins' one-out single and easily reached third base.

Abad struck out pinch-hitter Steven Lerud for the second out before Brown fisted the winning hit to center. Papelbon was the first player to greet Brown in celebration as he was rounding first base.

Papelbon easily retired the first two batters in the ninth and had Tracy in an 0-2 hole. But Tracy, who pinch-hit in the seventh and stayed in the game, hit his third home run, barely clearing the wall just inside the foul pole in right.

Ryan Howard went 3 for 3 with a homer and two RBIs and Delmon Young had a two-run double for the Phillies, who returned home after losing seven games on a 10-game road trip.

John Lannan, a former mainstay in the Nationals' rotation, made his first start since April 17 after a nearly two-month stint on the disabled list with a strained tendon in his left knee. He allowed six hits and two runs in five innings, striking out four and walking one in his first start against his former club.

Steve Lombardozzi had two hits, including an RBI double, for the Nationals, who have lost three of four.

Howard led off the second with a solo shot to tie it at 1. It was the eighth homer of the season for Howard, who had been mired in a power slump.

The slugger entered with just one homer since May 7, but launched Dan Haren's offering into the second deck deep in right field.

Haren continued his recent struggles and remained winless in his last seven starts (0-5, 6.22 ERA) since May 9. Haren is 0-3 with a 5.82 ERA in six career starts against Philadelphia.

Philadelphia went ahead 3-1 in the third on Young's two-run double to right that just eluded the glove of diving Jayson Werth. Washington pulled within 3-2 in the fourth on Lombardozzi's RBI double and Howard's fifth-inning RBI single put the Phillies back up by two runs.

Ian Desmond's RBI single off Mike Adams in the eighth inning brought Washington within 4-3.

NOTES: Nationals OF Bryce Harper was cleared to begin strength work on his injured left knee. He hurt himself crashing into the wall at Dodger Stadium on May 13. ... The Nationals hope to have CF Denard Span back on Tuesday. He wasn't in the lineup after fouling a ball off his right foot in the sixth inning of Sunday's 2-0 loss to Cleveland. ... Revere is batting .432 during an eight-game hitting streak. ... Washington's Anthony Rendon went 0 for 3 with a walk, ending his 10-game hitting streak. ... Golfer Tom Watson threw out the first pitch. He attended the U.S. Open at nearby Merion. . Washington LHP Ross Detwiler (2-4, 3.02) is scheduled to face Phillies LHP Cliff Lee (8-2, 2.55) on Tuesday night.

Kim opened eyes at the Open

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 03:11:16 GMT

It was a week full of drama and rich storyline at Merion Golf Club.

While Justin Rose and Phil Mickelson stole the spotlight at the U.S. Open, an unknown amateur made a name for himself as well.

Dan Moscaritolo has more on the surprising run by Michael Kim.

Cloyd struggles in return as IronPigs fall

Tue, 18 Jun 2013 01:50:50 GMT

Tyler Cloyd gave up eight earned runs on 12 hits in his return to the IronPigs Monday night in an 8-6 loss at the Toledo Mud Hens.

Cloyd had spent the last month or so with the Phillies before being sent back down to the 'Pigs to make room for John Lannan in the Phils' rotation.

Cloyd (1-5, 7.59) gave up three home run, including one to former IronPig Mike Cervenak.

Leandro Castro and Jermaine Mitchell each homered to pace the IronPigs offense.

Cody Asched went 0-for-4 with three strikeouts in the game, snapping his 12-game hitting streak.

The IronPigs (36-34) will resume their series in Toledo Monday night at 7pm.

Lehigh Valley cruises in Carpenter Cup opener

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:46:30 GMT

The Lehigh Valley All-Star team is heading to the second round of the annual Phillies Carpenter Cup tournament.

Lehigh Valley coasted to an 11-3 win over Delaware South on Monday in its first round game at Ashburn Field in FDR Park in Philadelphia.

Lehigh Valley will play Olympic Colonial on Friday at 10:30am at Ashburn Field.

Olympic Colonial beat SOL National/Bicentennial 16-8 in Monday's first Carpenter Cup game.

The winner of Friday's game will play on Monday at 9:30am at Citizens Bank Park.

Tune into 69 News tonight for highlights of Lehigh Valley's opening round win.

Reaction mixed on future U.S. Open return to Merion

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:43:31 GMT

The 113th U.S. Open at Merion Golf Club proved to be a very formidable challenge. Justin Rose posted a winning score of +1, which prompted mixed reaction from the field on the possibility of a future return to Merion.

The course was hit hard by heavy rains early in the week, causing many to feel that the golfers would post great scores on an already shorter course.

The USGA responded with very tough pin placements and manipulating green speeds to ensure that scores would remain consistent with normal U.S. Opens.

Some golfers thought that Merion may have been too difficult. Others think that is was designed fair, also noting the great atmosphere that Philadelphia's fans provided.

Reading Royals release season-ending roster

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 22:39:16 GMT

The 2013 Kelly Cup champion Reading Royals have released their season-ending roster. The Royals listed 18 players out of a maximum of 20.

The roster includes:

Evan Barlow

Julien Cayer

Adam Comrie

Ethan Cox

Dominic Jalbert

Nikita Kashirsky

Kirk MacDonald

Drew MacIntyre

Jim McKenzie

David Marshall

Mark Mitera

Bryant Molle

Ryan O’Byrne

Ian O’Connor

Bobby Shea

Brock Shelgren

Yannick Tifu

Denny Urban

Season-ending Rosters may include up to 20 players. Season-Ending Rosters cannot include any players who did not sign an ECHL contract in 2012-13. Each team is entitled to reserve rights to a maximum of eight players from the list of 20 by extending a qualifying offer no later than July 1. Of the eight qualified players, no more than four can be veterans (260 regular season professional hockey games played as of the start of the 2013-14 season). Players on open qualifying offers cannot be traded. Teams are not required to extend a qualifying offer to players who sign a contract prior to July 1. The qualifying offer must remain open for acceptance until August 1 at which time the qualifying offer becomes null and void and the team may sign the qualified player to any salary or may elect to take no further action. Teams that extend a valid qualifying offer to a non-veteran player shall retain the rights to that qualified player for one playing season.

A team that extends a valid qualifying offer to a veteran player will retain the rights to that veteran until August 1. After August 1, if the veteran player is not signed to a contract by the team, the veteran shall be deemed a restricted free agent and shall be entitled to seek and secure offers of employment from other ECHL teams. Restricted free agents may not be traded. When a restricted free agent receives a contract offer from a team other than the team with the player’s rights and the restricted free agent wishes to accept the contract offer, the restricted free agent and the offering member must, within 24 hours, notify the ECHL, the team with the player’s rights and the Professional Hockey Players’ Association. The member with the player’s rights shall have seven days after the date it is notified to exercise its right to match the contract offer. If a restricted free agent is not signed to either an offer sheet or a contract by an ECHL team by August 31, the player shall be deemed an unrestricted free agent.

Hamels outdueled in Phillies' 5-2 loss to Rockies

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 09:49:56 GMT

Cole Hamels again pitched well again, and again he ended up with another disappointing loss.

Hamels and Jhoulys Chacin squared off in a rare pitcher's duel at Coors Field on Sunday. Chacin pitched eight scoreless innings and left with two out in the ninth after giving up two runs.

Hamels finished on the wrong end of the Philadelphia Phillies' 5-2 loss to the Colorado Rockies. That has been an all-too-familiar outcome for him this season.

The Phillies have scored only 31 runs while Hamels (2-10) has been on the mound in 15 starts. He has lost two straight decisions and eight of nine.

His only mistake was leaving a 91 mph fastball up to Wilin Rosario, who lined it into the left-field seats on the first pitch of the Rockies' second inning. It was Rosario's 11th home run of the season.

Hamels matched Chacin for the next four innings, retiring 12 in a row until Carlos Gonzalez led off the seventh with an infield single. Cuddyer blooped a double just over first base and down the right field line.

Hamels thought his 0-2 pitch to Cuddyer was a strike, but umpire Marvin Hudson ruled otherwise. Cuddyer's double came on Hamel's next pitch.

"You have to make another pitch," he said. "I did and I made the pitch I wanted. Unfortunately he hit it to the right part of the yard. I think that's the hard part, because the game is so close. You're trying to keep the game within reason and battling."

Phillies manager Charlie Manuel visited the mound to settle Hamels just before he faced Pacheco.

Pacheco brought in a run with a slow grounder to third baseman Freddy Galvis, who had no play at the plate and threw out Pacheco at first.

"Charlie was trying to talk to me about making the right type of pitch," Hamels said, "and I feel like I made the right type of pitch, and I think he agreed. Unfortunately, the guy hit it four feet. That's the hard part about baseball."

Nolan Arenado followed with a double to make it 3-0.

Chacin (5-3) came within an out of his second career shutout. He gave up six hits, struck out three and didn't walk a batter. His 8 2-3 innings marked the longest outing by a Colorado starter this season.

Jimmy Rollins hit an RBI double with two outs in the Phillies' ninth and Ryan Howard followed with a single, finishing Chacin (5-3).

Rex Brothers got the final out for his second save of the season.

The teams combined for 30 runs and 55 hits in splitting the first two games of the series, but pitchers dominated the finale.

Chacin needed just 74 pitches - 59 strikes - to get through the first eight innings, and he had only one three-ball count, to Rollins in the fourth inning. Chacin looked as though he was going to go the distance entering the ninth.

He gave up a one-out single to Ben Revere, who scored when Rollins' drive to the wall was just over the head of Cuddyer in right field.

After Howard hit an RBI single, manager Walt Weiss went to remove Chacin to a chorus of boos from the 45,186 fans who were hoping to see the first complete game by Rockies' starter in two seasons.

The loss ended a 3-7 road trip for the Phillies.

"We started the road trip at .500, and we're at four under again," Manuel said. "We've got to stay with them and try to play better and try to score some runs and hopefully get the same kind of pitching that we got today."

Hamels allowed three runs on six hits, walked two and struck out seven.

NOTES: Cuddyer had two hits to extend his hitting streak to 14 games. It is the longest of his career and the longest by a Colorado player this season. ... The Rockies selected the contract RHP of Logan Kensing from Triple-A Colorado Springs and optioned RHP Chris Volstad. ... Phillies C Carlos Ruiz (right hamstring strain) went 0 for 2 in his first rehab start with Triple-A Lehigh on Saturday. ... Rockies OF Dexter Fowler returned to the lineup after sitting out Saturday. Fowler hadn't started since being hit on the right hand by a pitch on Thursday. ... RHP John Lannan (0-1) is expected to be activated from the DL on Monday to start the series opener against Washington. ... Rockies LHP Jorge De La Rosa (7-4) will open Colorado's nine-game road trip in Toronto on Monday.

Carpenter Cup to kick off Monday

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:57:07 GMT

The annual Phillies Carpenter Cup baseball tournament is set to begin on Monday.

The tournament features regional high school all-star teams from Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

The Lehigh Valley team will open play on Monday at 12:30pm.

Berks County's opener will be Tuesday at 9am.

The tournament is held at Ashburn Field at FDR Park in Philadelphia.

Steelhawks win, clinch playoff berth

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:52:53 GMT

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks won their regular season finale Saturday night, and with it, clinched a berth in the postseason.

The Steelhawks scored in the final 30 seconds to earn a 53-49 win at Albany 53-49, clinching a PIFL playoff berth.

This marks the second straight year the Steelhawks have qualified for the postseason, but the first time in the PIFL.

The Steelhawks finish the regular season at 7-5, their first winning record in franchise history.

The Steelhawks will open the postseason on July 1st at Richmond.

Rose wins U.S. Open; Mickelson takes second again

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:51:15 GMT

The stage was set for Phil Mickelson at the U.S. Open, but it was Justin Rose that took home the title at Merion Golf Club.

Rose shot even par on Sunday to finish 1-over for the tournament, winning the championship by two strokes.

It's Rose's first ever major championship.

Mickelson tied with Jason Day at 3-over for the tournament.

It marked the sixth time in Mickelson's career that he has settled for second at the U.S. Open.

WFMZ's Troy Hein looks back on a memorable week at Merion.

Fightin Phils complete sweep of Richmond

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 02:13:07 GMT

The Reading Fightin Phils earned a 5-4 win at Richmond on Sunday, completing the weekend series sweep.

Anthony Hewitt had two hits, including a home run, and Derrick Mitchell had two hits and an RBI for Reading.

Austin Wright (2-3, 7.96) pitched six solid innings to earn the win for the Fightin Phils on the mound.

The win was the fourth in a row for the Fightins, and marked their third series sweep of the season.

Reading (28-39) will be off on Monday before returning to Baseballtown to open up a series with Portland on Tuesday.

IronPigs wrap up homestand with walk-off win

Mon, 17 Jun 2013 01:50:38 GMT

The IronPigs wrapped up their homestand with a 5-4 walk-off win over Scranton-Wilkes-Barre in 11 innings at Coca-Cola Park on Sunday.

Cody Overbeck hit a sacrifice fly to center with the bases loaded in the 11th to seal the win.

The win was the 12th in the last 16 games for the IronPigs, and marked their fourth consecutive four-game series victory.

Carlos Ruiz, making his second straight rehab appearance for the 'Pigs, went 1-for-3 with a single and a run scored.

Ruiz caught seven innings in the game. He finished the weekend 1-for-5.

The 'Pigs overcame a 3-0 deficit, helped in part by a Darin Ruf RBI single.

Cody Asche tied the game at 3-3 in the seventh inning with a solo home run off Ivan Nova, extending his hitting streak to 12 games.

Cesar Jimenez (3-1, 2.95) picked up the win in relief for the 'Pigs.

The IronPigs (36-33) will kick off an eight-game road trip in Toledo Monday night at 7pm.

US Open: Mickelson takes lead into Sunday's final round

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 03:00:26 GMT

Phil Mickelson is 18 holes away from finally capturing that elusive U.S. Open championship.

Mickelson is the only one under par through 54 holes at Merion Golf Club.

He shot even par in round three on Saturday to take a one-stroke lead over Hunter Mahan, Charl Schwartzel, and Steve Stricker.

Tiger Woods shot a 76 and is now 10 shots off the lead.

WFMZ's Dan Moscaritolo has more from Merion.

RailRiders blank IronPigs, Ruiz goes 0-for-2

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:59:36 GMT

The Scranton-Wilkes-Barre RailRiders shut out the IronPigs 7-0 Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz, making the first of two consecutive rehab appearances with the 'Pigs, went 0-for-2 with a pop-up and a fly out.

Ruiz caught five innings in the game. He will catch seven innings for the IronPigs in their series finale with Scranton-Wilkes-Barre on Sunday.

Ruiz is fighting back from an injured hamstring. He is expected to play in Reading this coming week before re-joining the Phillies later in the week.

The RailRiders jumped on the IronPigs with three runs in the first inning off of Raul Valdes (1-2, 4.20) and never looked back.

The 'Pigs managed just six hits in the game, two by Josh Fields.

Cody Asche singled to extend his hitting streak to 11 straight games.

The IronPigs (35-33) will wrap up their homestand against Scranton-Wilkes-Barre on Sunday at 1:35pm at Coca-Cola Park.

Pennsylvania pounds Maryland in Big 33 Game

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 02:02:13 GMT

The change of opponents brought a change of fortune for the Pennsylvania All-Stars in the annual Big 33 Game.

After years of facing - and, recently, losing - to Ohio, the series switched to Pennsylvania vs. Maryland this year.

The result was an emphatic 58-27 win for Pennsylvania at HersheyPark Stadium Saturday night.

The Pennsylvania All-Stars scored a touchdown on offense, defense, and special teams - all within the first two minutes of the game.

Wilson West Lawn's Junior Joseph and Easton's Austin Brown were among the local products who played in the game.

Fightin Phils rally again, earn second straight comeback win

Sun, 16 Jun 2013 01:58:08 GMT

For the second straight night, the Reading Fightin Phils scored in the late innings to earn a come-from-behind win at Richmond on Saturday.

The Fightin Phils scored twice in the eighth inning and once more in the ninth to post a 3-1 win over the Flying Squirrels.

In Friday's series opener, the Fightins scored once in the ninth and twice more in the 10th to earn a 3-1 win.

Zach Collier scored the tying run on a wild pitch in the eighth.

Albert Cartwright then singled home the eventual game-winner.

David Buchanan (3-7, 4.65) allowed just one run on three hits and struck out seven in seven strong innings on the mound.

Reading (27-39) will go for the series sweep in Richmond on Sunday at 2:05pm.

Fightin Phils battle back, win in 10 innings

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 03:12:34 GMT

The Reading Fightin Phils battled back for a 3-1 win at Richmond in 10 innings Friday night.

Trailing 1-0, the Fightin Phils got an RBI double from Derek Mitchell to tie the game in the ninth inning.

Edgar Duran and Tyler Henson followed with RBI doubles in the 10th to give Reading the win.

Jesse Biddle gave up one run on five hits, striking out seven and walking three. He got a no decision.

Mike Nesseth (1-0, 2.45) pitched two scoreless innings to earn the win.

Reading (26-39) will continue its series with the Flying Squirrels on Saturday at 6:05pm.

IronPigs stay hot, beat RailRiders again

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:45:49 GMT

The IronPigs stayed hot Friday night, beating Scranton-Wilkes-Barre 4-1 at Coca-Cola Park.

The win was the 11th in the last 14 games for the IronPigs.

Ethan Martin (6-3, 5.19) pitched seven strong innings, allowing just one run on four hits and striking out six with three walks.

Cody Asche homered for the 'Pigs, Leandro Castro had an RBI triple, and Cameron Rupp added an RBI double.

The IronPigs (35-32) are now just four games behind first place Pawtucket in the International League North Division.

The 'Pigs will resume their series with the RailRiders on Saturday night at 6:35pm at Coca-Cola Park.

Phillies catcher Carlos Ruiz will make a rehab appearance for the 'Pigs in that game.

The game can be seen live on WFMZ-TV.

Merion proving tough at U.S. Open

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:39:15 GMT

The course at Merion Golf Club is proving tough to navigate at the 113th U.S. Open.

While many predicted low scores because of Merion's relatively short course, the results have, in fact, been the opposite.

Only two players, Phils Mickelson and Billy Horschel, were under par after the first two days.

WFMZ's Troy Hein recaps Friday's action from Merion.

North Penn gets walk-off win to claim PIAA state championship

Sat, 15 Jun 2013 02:35:17 GMT

Bobby Scott's walk-off single with two outs in the bottom of the ninth inning gave North Penn a 6-5 win over Lower Dauphin on Friday in the PIAA 4A state championship game.

The win gives North Penn its second state title in the last five years.

The Knights fell behind Lower Dauphin 3-0 before scoring five runs in the fifth inning to take a 5-3 lead.

Lower Dauphin scored one run in the sixth and another in the seventh to tie it, setting the stage for the Knights' dramatic win.

North Penn (17-10) was the last team into the District One tournament, but caught fire once they get in the state playoffs.

North Penn, which eliminated Parkland and Pennridge in this tournament, also won the state title back in 2009 when it beat Parkland to claim the crown.