On Wednesday night, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (7-7) won their third straight game over the Rochester Red Wings (7-7) at Coca-Cola Park.
On the mound for Lehigh Valley was Hans Crouse (0-2, 14:54 ERA), who had a nice bounce-back game after giving up four runs last week against Worcester. The Red Wings started Luis Reyes (0-0, 4.91 ERA).
At the top of the first inning, with a runner on second base, Red Wings’ right fielder Joey Meneses singled on a sharp line drive to center field, scoring a run that put Rochester up 1-0. That was the Red Wings’ only lead of the game.
In the bottom of the first inning, with runners on the corners, IronPigs right fielder Jorge Bonifacio crushed a three-run home out to right-center field, putting Lehigh Valley up 3-1.
Three batters later, with a runner on second base, IronPigs’ left fielder Will Toffey tripled to center field, scoring another run for the IronPigs 4-1.
At the top of the second inning, with a runner on second base, the Red Wings cut the IronPigs’ lead in half 4-2 with an RBI single by first baseman Chris Herrmann.
In the bottom of the second inning, with a runner on first base. IronPigs first baseman Darick Hall smacked a two-run home run to right field over the Martin Guitar sign for a 6-2 lead.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the third inning with a runner on first base, IronPigs third baseman Drew Maggi doubled on a sharp line drive to left field, scoring a run for a 7-2 lead. Then, a sacrifice fly by IronPigs’ center fielder John Andreoli brought home Nick Maton for an 8-2 lead. Three batters later, IronPigs catcher Donny Sands singled on a soft ground ball to right field, adding another run 9-2.
Moving ahead to the top of the fifth inning with runners on the corners, new Red Wings’ center fielder Matt Lipka grounded into a forceout, scoring a run now trailing 9-3. Then, Red Wings’ designated hitter Richard Urena singled on a ground ball to left field, scoring another run. The score was now IronPigs 9, Redwings 4.
However, the IronPigs got those runs back in the bottom of the sixth inning. First, IronPigs’ right fielder Jorge Bonifacio hit his second home run out to right-center field for a 10-4 lead. Then, IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall hit a solo home run over the Cedar Crest College sign in right field for an 11-4 lead. It was the first back-to-back home run combination for the IronPigs this year.
The IronPigs scored one more run in the bottom of the sixth inning. With a runner on first base for IronPigs’ left fielder, Will Toffey tripled to left field, scoring a run for a 12-4 lead.
The IronPigs bullpen took care of business, pitching four scoreless innings. Then, at the top of the ninth inning, Nick Duron closed out the game for Lehigh Valley.
After giving up a single and two walks, Duron struck out Red Wings’ designated hitter Richard Urena, ending the game with a 12-4 win.
IronPigs starter Hans Crouse pitched three innings, allowing six runs, two runs, and three strikeouts but did not get the win. Instead, the win went to IronPigs relief pitcher Mark Appel (2.0 IP, 3 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 0 SO), while the loss went to Luis Reyes (2.0 IP, 7 H, 9 R, 3 BB, 1 SO).
Game three of the six-game series continues tonight at 7:05 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
