Righty hurler Zach Eflin fired six shutout innings to lead the way as the Double-A Reading Fightins notched a win in the opener of the best-of-five Eastern League Championship Series on Tuesday night.
In his second win of the post-season, Eflin, who was acquired last off-season in the trade that sent Jimmy Rollins to the Dodgers, struck out five Bowie Baysox batters while walking none on five hits. He left the game after surrendering a lead-off single that ricocheted off his leg in the 7th inning.
League MVP Brock Stassi got the scoring started in front of the home crowd, leading off the home half of the 4th inning with a home run to give Reading a 1-0 lead.
Reliever Edubray Ramos tossed a scoreless 7th inning, retiring the side in order with two strike outs.
Designated hitter Art Charles would slam his own solo homer in the 7th to pad the lead. Catcher Andrew Knapp would plate another run that inning on a sacrifice fly.
Righty pitcher Jimmy Cordero, clocking 101 MPH with his fastball would earn the save with two innings of work, allowing a run on a wild pitch in the 9th to spoil the shutout. The Fightins won by a final of 3-1.
Reading will host Bowie once again on Wednesday night in Game 2 of the ELCS at FirstEnergy Stadium.
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