those Rock Cats are starting to impress!

Candlepin's favorite minor league baseball team, the New Britain Rock Cats, continue to impress those in the know at New Britain Stadium. While an 8-8 record isn't all that fabulous, watching a team that just won't quit is a treat! Last night, Erik Lis hit a two-run homer in the fifth inning and Luke Hughes added a solo shot in the sixth to power the Rock Cats to a 5-2 victory over Reading.

The Rock Cats jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the second inning. David Winfree opened the inning with a walk and Felix Molina followed with a double to center field. Drew Butera brought the crowd to its feet with a deep shot to center fielder, but Butera was out when Greg Golson (3-for-4) snagged the ball at the wall. Winfree scored on the sacrifice for a 1-0 advantage. Molina came around to score on a force ground out by Matt Moses.

The lead didn’t last for long, as Reading fired back in the top of the third. Javon Moran (3-for-5) and Gookie Dawkins both hit singles to start off the inning. Both runners advanced on Golson’s bunt hit. With the bases loaded, Anthony Swarzak walked Lou Marson to score Moran from third. Swarzak came back to strike out the next two batters, but he walked Luke Appert to score Dawkins from third to tie the game, 2-2.

Swarzak lasted just four innings, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks. He struck out six. Armando Gabino added 3 1/3 shutout innings in relief. Gabino (1-1, 1.80) allowed just four hits while striking out four to pick up the win. Ben Julianel notched his third save with 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.

Kip Bouknight (1-2, 5.57) allowed four runs on seven hits and three walks for the Phillies. He struck out five.

Keep it up, boys! A hot road trip would be great!