Phillies Prospect Watch: Double-A Reading Punches Playoff Ticket

Phillies affiliates went 1-2 on Thursday, Sept. 10, with Double-A Reading clinching their first playoff berth in seven years in an 11-10 thriller; Single-A Clearwater’s season came to an end with a 7-5 loss in the Division Series. 

Phillies top prospects like left fielder Dante Nori (2-for-4 with a double, a walk and two errors), third baseman Carson DeMartini (3-for-4 with a double and a walk) and Aroon Escobar (1-for-4 with a double, a walk and three turned double plays) led the way; Pedro León tripled, singled and walked. Starting pitcher Luke Russo allowed two runs in five innings.

After that, the bullpen got shelled, but the Fightin Phils managed to hold on and punch their playoff ticket. They’ll host the Hartford Yard Goats at 6:45 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 15 to begin the best-of-three Division Series.

Single-A Clearwater allowed five runs in the final two innings, blowing a 3-2 lead set up with six strong innings from 2025 tenth round pick Cole Gilley. Matt Ferrara homered and 2026 fifth round pick Will Gasparino went 2-for-4 with a triple and two RBI.

Triple-A Lehigh Valley rounded out the slate with a 7-4 loss. Center fielder Kameron Misner continued his fiery stretch, hitting his third home run of September. First baseman Keaton Anthony doubled and drew two walks, while left fielder Wuilfredo Antunez tripled in his second game with the IronPigs. Starting pitcher Alan Rangel gave up five runs in the first inning, sealing Lehigh Valley’s fate. He rebounded, allowing just one more run over his final four innings, but their offense couldn’t muster a response.