On Wednesday night at Werner Park, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (32-24) took on the Omaha Storm Chasers (27-27) in game two of the series.
Michael Mariot (4-1, 4.56 ERA) was on the mound for the IronPigs, while the Storm Chasers started Drew Parrish (0-0, 0.00 ERA).
Before the game, the Phillies made a trade with catcher Austin Wynns going to San Francisco for left-hand pitcher Michael Plassmeyer and cash considerations.
In the bottom of the first inning, the Storm Chasers struck first when shortstop Ivan Castillo hit a solo home run into the Leonard Management McDonald’s Berm area at right field for a 1-0 lead.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the third inning, the Storm Chasers extended their lead on a solo home run by designated hitter Vinnie Pasquantino near the foul pole at right field, 2-0.
Michael Mariot had a rough game and pitched three innings, allowing four hits, two runs, three walks, and four strikeouts. In the bottom of the fourth inning, Jake Newberry took over for Mariot and shut down the Storm Chasers batters.
The IronPigs batters woke up at the top of the fifth inning. IronPigs’ right fielder Dustin Peterson was up at-bat with runners on first and second base. He crushed a three-run home run out to the Sunbelt Bakery Home Run Porch at left field, giving the IronPigs a 3-2 lead.
Six batters later, the IronPigs added another run. Storm Chasers’ relief pitcher Sam Freeman walked IronPigs’ left fielder Jorge Bonifacio with the bases loaded, forcing in a run, 4-2.
The IronPigs’ bullpen took care of business the rest of the way. They only allowed one hit in the last six innings. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Michael Kelly closed out the game for the IronPigs. He got the final three outs, and the IronPigs won the game 4-2. The IronPigs have now won four straight games.
The win went to IronPigs’ relief pitcher Jake Newberry (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 3 SO), and the loss went to Storm Chasers’ starter Drew Parrish (4.2 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 1 BB, 7 SO). Michael Kelly (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO) earned his first save for the IronPigs.
The series continues with game three today at 8:05 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub, and pick up IronPigs merchandise today at Fanatics.com.
