The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (18-17) were looking to split the series with the Rochester Red Wings (13-22) Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park. The starting pitchers for the game were Matt Moore (0-1, 4.32 ERA) for Lehigh Valley versus Rochester’s Sterling Sharp (1-1, 3.68 ERA).
At the top of the second inning, with one out and the bases loaded, Red Wings center fielder Cody Wilson hit a two-run RBI double towards left field. This put Rochester up 2-0.
In the bottom of the second inning, with runners on second and third, IronPigs catcher Rafael Marchan reached first base on a fielder’s choice scoring a run to cut the Red Wings lead 2-1. Then, first baseman Darick Hall grounded into a double play scoring another run that tied the game 2-2.
The Red Wings got the lead back at the top of the fourth inning thanks to a solo home run by catcher Tres Barrera. Rochester led 3-2. Lehigh Valley would tie the game again 3-3 in the bottom of the sixth inning when shortstop Nick Maton hit an opposite-field home run.
Rochester blew the game wide open in the top of the ninth inning. With no outs and the bases loaded, Red Wings left fielder Gerardo Parra hit a grand slam out towards right field for a 7-3 lead.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Justin Miller closed the game for the Red Wings. After giving up a single to Ruben Tejada, he got the next three outs to end the game. Lehigh Valley lost, losing four of six games against Rochester.
Lehigh Valley pitcher Matt Moore went (5.0 IP, 6 H, 3 ER, 3 BB, 5 SO). Red Wings pitcher T.J. McFarland (2.0 IP, 3 SO) earned the win, while the loss went to IronPigs pitcher Julian Garcia (3.0 IP, 3 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 1 SO).
Lehigh Valley will begin a six-game series with the Worcester Red Sox on Tuesday from Polar Park at 6:35 pm on MiLB.com.
