Four Akron pitchers combined to allow just two runs on just three hits, Josh Rodriguez went 2-3 with an RBI, and the reigning Eastern League Champions topped the home team once again, sending Reading to their third consecutive loss with a 5-2 win on Saturday evening.

The Reading offense lit up like the post-game fireworks in the bottom of the first frame, putting up a two-spot to give Reading a quick lead. Tagg Bozied and Kevin Mahar each added RBIs to get a crowd of over 7,400 fans rocking right off the bat. Unfortunately for the R-Phils, Akron pitching settled in and went on cruise control from there on out, allowing just one Reading hit in the final eight innings.

LHP Yohan Flande (1-3, 2.80) started as quickly as the offense did, and rolled through the first two innings unscathed. However, it was the third frame that proved to be the game-changer as Akron put up three runs on the lefty to take the lead for good.

SS Carlos Rivero slammed a solo shot, his first of the year, off of Flande in the third inning to make it a two-run lead for the Aeros. Akron added another insurance run in the sixth inning -- the final run of the game, to make it a 5-2 victory.

Akron starter Eric Berger, who did not factor in the decision, pitched four solid innings of work for the Aeros, allowing just two runs on two hits with six strikeouts. The Akron bullpen was solid on Saturday evening, as three relievers (Justin Germano, Carlton Smith, and Vinnie Pestano) combined for five shutout innings - surrendering just one hit. Germano (2-1, 3.52) earned his second win of the season, after tossing three scoreless frames out of the pen.

The Aeros and Phillies close out this series Sunday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Zach Putnam (2-1, 5.40 ERA) takes the hill for the Aeros against Reading's Chance Chapman (0-0, 6.10 ERA). The game broadcast begins at 12:50 p.m. on SportsRadio 1350 AM and online at www.akronaeros.com. For more information, please call the Aeros at (330) 253-5151.

Game recap courtesy of readingphillies.com