On Thursday night, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (9-11) played game two of the six-game series at PNC Field against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (9-10).
James Marvel was on the mound for Lehigh Valley (0-3, 12.51 ERA), while the RailRiders started Deivi Garcia (0-1, 7.84 ERA).
The IronPigs got off to a hot start at the top of the first inning. With runners on first and second base, IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall hit a three-run home run out to right field, putting Lehigh Valley up 3-0. It was Hall’s sixth home run of the season.
However, in the bottom of the third inning, the RailRiders came back. With runners on second and third base, Rail Riders’ shortstop Oswald Peraza hit a three-run home run out to left field, tying the game 3-3.
Then with runners on the corners, a bulk was called against James Marvel. In minor league baseball, if a pitcher picks off a player three times without success, the runner advances. Marvel either didn’t know this rule or forgot, but the RailRiders took a 4-3 lead.
Two batters later, RailRiders’ center fielder Ender Inciarte singled on a line drive to right field, adding another run for a 5-3 lead.
At the top of the fourth inning, the IronPigs battled back. With the bases loaded, RailRiders’ starter Deivi Garcia walked catcher Austin Wynns, walking home a run, and the IronPigs were within one 5-4. Then, designated hitter Bryson Stott grounded into a double play to second base but not before scoring another run, tying the game 5-5.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, the RailRiders blew the game open. With a runner on second base with two outs, RailRiders left fielder Estevan Florial singled on a line drive to left field, scoring a run that put Scranton back up 6-5. Then, a double steal happened when Oswald Peraza stole home, making it 7-5, while Florial stole second base.
The runs kept coming. RailRiders’ second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera doubled to left field, scoring another run for an 8-5 lead. Three batters later, RailRiders’ catcher David Freitas singled on a sharp ground ball to left field, scoring a run for a 9-5 lead.
Moving ahead to the top of the sixth inning with runners on the corners, IronPigs’ designated hitter Bryson Stott hit a sacrifice fly to center field, scoring a run. The IronPigs trailed the RailRiders 9-6.
However, the RailRiders added more runs in the bottom of the sixth inning. RailRiders’ second baseman Oswaldo Cabrera hit a solo home run out to right field, making it 10-6. Three batters later, RailRiders’ catcher David Freitas doubled on a line drive to left field, adding another run for an 11-6 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, the RailRiders added four more runs. With runners on first and second base, RailRiders’ centerfielder Estevan Florial singled on a line drive to left field, scoring a run for a 12-6 lead. Two batters later, RailRiders’ first baseman Greg Bird hit a ground-rule double, adding another run for a 13-6 lead.
Finally, RailRiders’ center fielder Ender Inciarte doubled on a soft pop-up at left field, scoring two more runs for a 15-6 lead.
Moving ahead to the top of the ninth inning, RailRiders’ pitcher David McKay got the last three outs, and the RailRiders beat the IronPigs 15-6.
The win went to RailRiders’ relief pitcher Vinny Nittoli (1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 4 SO), while the loss went to IronPigs’ starter James Marvel (3.2 IP, 9 H, 9 R, 2 BB, 4 SO).
The IronPigs and RailRiders play a doubleheader today, beginning at 5:05 pm. Tickets for the games can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
