The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (53-73) were defeated 4-3 Friday night at Coca-Cola Park by the Worcester Red Sox (72-54). The latest loss has the IronPigs on a seven-game losing streak. The IronPigs’ last win was on September 22nd, winning over the Buffalo Bisons 3-0.
Francisco Morales (0-0, 0.00 ERA) started for Lehigh Valley against Worcester’s Josh Winckowski (0-1, 3.00 ERA).
The game was scoreless through two innings. In the bottom of the third inning, IronPigs catcher Logan O’Hoppe hit his first home run on a fly ball to left-center field for a 1-0 lead.
At the top of the fourth inning, with the bases loaded for the Red Sox, right fielder Tate Matheny hit an RBI line-drive single to left field to tie the game 1-1. Red Sox’s first baseman Josh Ockimey tried to score from second base but was gunned down at home plate by Bryon Stott.
Two batters later, the bases were loaded again for the Red Sox. Red Sox left fielder Franchy Cordero doubled on a line drive to right field, clearing the bases to take a 4-1 lead. After hitting Red Sox designated hitter Ronaldo Hernandez, Francisco Morales was taken out of the game. He threw 81 pitches (3.2 IP, 4 H, 4 R, 4 BB, 2 SO). Brady Lail was the new IronPigs pitcher.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the seventh inning with the bases loaded for the IronPigs, center field Adam Haseley’s sacrifice fly to left field cut the Red Sox’s lead 4-2. Two batters later, with the bases loaded again for the IronPigs, shortstop Bryson Stott struck out.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, with two outs and an IronPigs runner on second base, center fielder Adam Haseley singled on a sharp ground ball to right field, scoring a run that made it a one-run game 4-3. IronPigs left fielder Luke Williams flied out to right field that ended the game.
The win went to Red Sox starter Josh Winckowski (6.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 3 BB, 7 SO), while the loss went to IronPigs starter Francisco Morales. Red Sox pitcher Colten Brewer (2.0 IP, 2 H, 1 R, 1 ER) earned his first save of the season.
Game four happens today at 6:35 pm. Mauricio Llovera (2-2, 3.80 ERA) starts for Lehigh Valley against Worcester’s Daniel Gossett (6-5, 4.62 ERA).
