The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (50-63) returned to Coca-Cola Park Tuesday night against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (65-47) for the final time of the season.
Colton Eastman (0-0, 6.23 ERA) started for Lehigh Valley versus Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s JP Sears (3-0, 3.68 ERA).
At the top of the first inning on a 2-0 count, RailRiders center fielder Estevan Florial put the RailRiders up 1-0 with a solo home run on a fly ball to left field.
IronPigs first baseman Darick Hall and designated hitter T.J. Rivera hit back-to-back singles in the bottom of the second inning. This was followed up by a double on a fly ball to right field by IronPigs third baseman Nick Maton. Unfortunately, Darick Hall tried to score from second base and was caught out at home for the first out.
The next batter up for the IronPigs was right fielder Cornelius Randolph. Randolph singled to right field, and the ball went off the glove of RailRiders first baseman Chris Gittens. Two runs scored, but Randolph tried to get to second base and was gunned down for the second out. The IronPigs led 2-1 heading into the third inning.
The IronPigs could not hold the lead at the top of the fourth inning. After IronPigs pitcher Colton Eastman walked RailRiders first baseman Chris Gittens, he threw a wild pitch moving Gittens to second base. Then, RailRiders catcher Donny Sands doubled on a sharp line drive to left field that tied the game 2-2.
Two batters later, with runners on the corners, a sacrifice fly to center field by RailRiders third baseman Armando Alverez put the RailRiders in the lead 3-2.
At the top of the fifth inning, IronPigs pitcher Colton Eastman gave up a single to RailRiders right fielder Jonathan Davis. That would be it for Eastman after that. Damon Jones replaced him.
Colton Eastman finished the night throwing 74 pitches (4.0 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO, 1 HR). Two batters later, RailRiders shortstop Andrew Velazquez singled to right field, adding another run 4-2.
The IronPigs bats for the rest of the game were quiet. At the bottom of the ninth inning, Ron Marinaccio closed the game for the RailRiders. After walking IronPigs first baseman Darick Hall, he got the last three outs to end the game. The IronPigs start the series with a 4-2 loss to the RailRiders.
The win went to RailRiders pitcher JP Sears (6.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO, 1 HR), while the loss went to IronPigs starter Colton Eastman, his first loss of the season.
Game two of the six-game series continues today at 7:05 pm. Mauricio Llovera (2-1, 3.99 ERA) starts for Lehigh Valley against Brody Koerner (3-4, 3.50 ERA).
