AKRON, Ohio (Interstat) — Ralphy Velazquez hit a two-run homer in the third inning, and the Akron RubberDucks opened their season with a 3-1 win over the Reading Fightin Phils on Thursday at Canal Park.

The homer, which scored Angel Genao, provided all the necessary offense against Reading starter Adam Seminaris, who took the loss despite striking out seven over five innings. Akron added an unearned run in the seventh on a throwing error.

Reading scored its lone run in the eighth on Kehden Hettiger’s sacrifice fly. Akron’s Khal Stephen earned top star honors with four scoreless innings. Matt Jachec got the win in relief and Hunter Stanley notched the save.

Attendance was 4,589. The teams continue their series Friday.