The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (26-33) finished the six-game series on a high note Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park versus the Worcester Red Sox (34-24) behind Jake Elmore’s two RBIs. The IronPigs were looking to win its first series against the Red Sox this year.
Earlier in the day, the IronPigs had Nick Maton, Damon Jones, Cristopher Sanchez, and Mauricio Llovera called up to the Phillies due to several players going on the COVID-19 list. Those players included Aaron Nola, Bailey Falter, Alec Bohm, and Connor Brogdon.
On the mound for Lehigh Valley was Tyler Alexander (0-1, 15.43 ERA) versus Stephen Gonsalves (3-2, 4.06 ERA) of Worcester.
In the bottom of the second inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, IronPigs second baseman Jake Elmore singled on a line drive to left field. This scored two runs that put Lehigh Valley up 2-0.
The Red Sox cut the IronPigs lead 2-1 at the top of the third inning when designated hitter Franchy Cordero’s RBI doubled. Lehigh Valley got the run back in the bottom of the third inning with an RBI single by IronPigs third baseman Austin Listi for a 3-1 lead. Then, with runners on second and third, a sacrifice bunt by IronPigs catcher Logan Moore added another run 4-1.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the sixth inning with the bases loaded and one out, Lehigh Valley center fielder Charlie Tilson grounded into a forceout to Red Sox’s first baseman Josh Ockimey. This scored a run and extended the lead to 5-1.
At the top of the ninth inning, IronPigs brought in Jakob Hernandez to close the game. After walking Red Sox left fielder Johan Mieses and a flyout from Red Sox catcher Chris Herrmann for the first out. Hernandez got Red Sox’s second baseman Jack Lopez to ground into a double play that ended the game. The IronPigs defeated the Red Sox 5-1.
The win went to Lehigh Valley starting pitcher Tyler Alexander (6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 3 SO). The loss went to Red Sox starting pitcher Stephen Gonsalves (3.1 IP, 4 H, 3 ER, 5 BB, 4 SO).
Lehigh Valley will have off on Monday before heading back to Trenton on Tuesday to start another six-game series with the Buffalo Bisons at 7 pm.
