On Wednesday night, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (21-17) played game two at Frontier Field in downtown Rochester, New York, against the Rochester Red Wings (24-14).
Cristopher Sanchez (1-0, 9.00 ERA) was on the mound for the IronPigs getting his first start of the season, while the Red Wings started Logan Verrett (1-2, 5.94 ERA).
At the top of the third inning, the IronPigs struck first. IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall was up at-bat with runners on first and second base and one out. He hit a three-run home run off the top of an advertising sign at right field for a 3-0 lead. It was his 13th home run of the season and 42nd RBI of the year.
IronPigs’ starter Cristopher Sanchez pitched four scoreless innings with no hits, no runs, one walk, and four strikeouts. In the bottom of the fifth inning, Francisco Morales replaced Sanchez.
Morales got into trouble. First, he gave up a single to Red Wings’ second baseman Lucius Fox, who later stole second base with one out. Then, he walked right fielder Donovan Casey and two batters later hit center fielder Andrew Stevenson, loading the bases with two outs.
Luckily, he got Red Wings’ shortstop Luis Garcia to ground out to IronPigs’ shortstop Nick Maton for the third out, keeping the game 3-0.
The IronPigs pitchers shut out the Red Wings batters in the first six innings until the seventh inning. Jonathan Hennigan was the new pitcher for the IronPigs. Red Wings’ center fielder Andrew Stevenson was up at-bat with runners on the corners. He singled on a line drive to left field, scoring a run that cut the IronPigs’ lead 3-1.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the ninth inning, Mark Appel closed out the game for the IronPigs. However, Appel had to work hard to secure the win. Red Wings’ second baseman Lucius Fox singled, followed by two straight lineouts for two outs.
Then, Mark Appel walked Red Wings’ center fielder Andrew Stevenson, allowing the Red Wings to tie the game. Red Wings’ shortstop Luis Garcia had a chance to bring home both runs, but Appel struck him out, ending the game, and the IronPigs won their third straight game, 3-1.
The win went to IronPigs’ starter Cristopher Sanchez, his second of the season, while the loss went to Red Wings’ starter Logan Verrett (5.2 IP, 6 H, 3 R, 4 BB, 3 SO).
Game three of the six-game series continues today at 11:05 am. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
