The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (18-19) took on the Memphis Redbirds (24-14) in game five of a six-game homestand on Saturday night from Coca-Cola Park. Coming into the game, the IronPigs were on a two-game losing streak.
Before the game, the Philadelphia Phillies optioned RHP Luis Ortiz to Lehigh Valley, while recalling starter Ranger Suarez from his rehab assignment with Lehigh Valley. Nick Nelson (0-0, 0.00 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Memphis’s Connor Thomas (4-2, 5.21 ERA).
Lehigh Valley shortstop Weston Wilson began the bottom of the first inning with a walk, followed by a single from Jake Cave, moving Wilson to third base. First baseman Jim Haley was next and he hit a single at left field, scoring Wilson for a 1-0 lead. Dustin Peterson grounded into a double play and Scott Kingery struck out which ended the inning.
Moving ahead to the top of the fourth inning, Lehigh Valley pitcher Nick Nelson walked Luken Baker to start the inning. Then, Memphis center fielder Oscar Mercado doubled toward the corner of left field, scoring Baker that tied the game 1-1. Nelson got three outs afterward and escaped without allowing another run. That was it for Nelson, who pitched four innings, allowing four hits, one run, two walks, and one strikeout in 68 pitches, of which 41 were strikes.
The game remained tied heading into the top of the seventh inning, Erich Uelmen replaced Ben Bowden as the new Lehigh Valley pitcher. Memphis shortstop Juniel Querecuto faced Uelmen and he hit a solo home run over the KLYR roof at right field.
The IronPigs trailed Memphis 2-1. After giving up a single to Masyn Winn with one out, Uelmen got the last two outs which retired the side.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the ninth inning, the IronPigs had one more shot to tie the game. With two outs, Lehigh Valley right fielder Dustin Peterson delivered when he hit Jake Walsh’s curveball 104 mph off the bat and out toward left field for his fourth home run of the season, tying the game 2-2. For Peterson, he has now hit three home runs in three straight games.
Lehigh Valley pinch-hitter Jordan Qsar walked but Esteban Quiroz flew out toward center fielder Oscar Mercado and the game went to extra innings.
Jake Jewell was the new Lehigh Valley pitcher to start the top of the tenth inning. In extra innings, a runner from each team starts at second base. Memphis’s runner was Masyn Winn. Jewell loaded the bases with two outs with Luken Baker approaching the plate. He cleared the bases with a three-run double to right field off Jewell’s fastball, and the Redbirds took a commanding 5-2 lead. Oscar Mercado popped up that retired the side.
Lehigh Valley had one more shot to tie the game or win it in the bottom of the ninth inning. Esteban Quiroz went to second base to start the inning with Simon Muzziotti hitting first. He hit the ball that rolled in front of catcher Ivan Herrera but Herrera threw the ball wide to the first baseman and Muzziotti was safe while Quiroz went to third base.
Vimael Machin was next but he grounded into a double play but a run did score. It was 5-3 with two outs. Memphis pitcher Ryan Loutos walked John Hicks, Weston Wilson, and Jake Cave that loaded the bases for Jim Haley. Unfortunately, Haley grounded into a forceout at second base that ended the game.
The IronPigs lost their third straight game by the final score of 5-3. Lehigh Valley finished the night with 11 hits, went 3 for 18 with runners in scoring position, and left 16 men on base. Lehigh Valley loses the series with one game left. Lehigh Valley pitcher Jake Jewell lost his first game of the year, while the win went to Memphis pitcher Jake Walsh, and Ryan Loutos earned his first save of the season.
The IronPigs and Redbirds conclude the six-game series on Sunday at 1:35 pm on MiLB.com. Tickets for the game are available on StubHub and Viagogo. Also, pick up IronPigs merchandise today at Fanatics.com.
