Portland Sea Dogs starter Keith Couch rarely gives up home runs, allowing only one this season before Wednesday.

But Couch gave up two home runs in a four-run second inning as the Reading Fightin Phils beat Portland 5-2 before 4,855 at Hadlock Field.

The Sea Dogs dropped to 85-52. They still lead by two games in the Eastern League East Division with five games to go. Second-place Binghamton (83-54) gave up a run in the ninth inning, then lost 11-7 in 11 innings to New Britain.

Jake Fox began the second inning with a homer off Couch. Two singles and an error brought in a run. Logan Moore came up with two outs and blasted a two-run shot for a 4-0 lead.

The Sea Dogs threatened often against left-hander Adam Loewen, who allowed five hits and six walks over five innings.

Portland loaded the bases with no outs in the fifth but got only one run.

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Loewen struck out Sean Coyle, allowed an RBI fielder’s choice to Dave Chester and struck out Stefan Welch.

In the sixth, Mike Brenly’s RBI grounder closed the Sea Dogs to 4-2. But that was all for Portland. The Phils added a run in the seventh.

Couch (8-2) allowed five runs on eight hits (no walks) over 62/3 innings. His ERA rose to 2.96.

Aaron Kurcz (2.03 ERA) and Robby Scott (1.87) added scoreless relief for the Sea Dogs.

NOTES: Pitcher Mike Augliera will return to the rotation after one stint in the bullpen. Augliera (7-10) has been named Friday’s starter, replacing Luis Diaz, who was pushed back with back spasms. He’s expected back soon. … Thursday’s game will begin at 6 p.m. with fireworks following.


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