The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (16-13) were looking to win the series Sunday afternoon from PNC Field versus the Scranton/ Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (18-9). The IronPigs have won the last two games. Earlier in the day, the Phillies called up Cristopher Sanchez, who was supposed to start today. Instead, Ethan Evanko (2-0, 4.35) got the start for Lehigh Valley against Nick Green (0-1, 5.94) of the RailRiders.
In the bottom of the first inning, with a runner on second base and one out, RailRiders right fielder Trey Amburgey hit an RBI double to left field that gave Scranton a 1-0 lead.
Moving to the bottom of the second inning with a runner on first base with two outs, RailRiders catcher Max McDowell doubled to center field, scoring a run that extended the RailRiders lead 2-0. Then, second baseman Hoy Jun Park smashed a two-run home run out towards right field for a 4-0 lead.
At the top of the fifth inning, with the bases loaded and no outs, Scranton made a pitching change with Albert Abreu. He walked IronPigs catcher Edgar Cabral forcing in a run 4-1. Then second baseman Sal Gozzo grounded into a forceout scoring another run that cut Scranton’s lead to 4-2.
The IronPigs made it a one-run game at the top of the eighth inning when Mickey Moniak hit a solo home run that made it 4-3.
Lehigh Valley had one more chance to tie the game in the ninth inning. The RailRiders sent Luis Garcia to close the game out. After walking shortstop Ruben Tejada, Garcia struck out the next three batters that ended the game. The RailRiders defeated the IronPigs 4-3, splitting the series.
IronPigs starting pitcher Ethan Evanko pitched (2.0 IP, 4 ER, 1 BB, 2 SO). He suffered the loss while Reggie McClain (1.2 IP, 1 H, 2 SO) of the RailRiders earned the win. Luis Garcia (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 3 SO) earned his eighth save of the season.
Lehigh Valley (16-14) returns to Coca-Cola Park to begin a six-game series with the Rochester Red Wings on Tuesday, June 8th, at 7:05 pm on MiLB.com.
