The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (11-13) concluded the six-game homestand from Coca-Cola Park on Sunday afternoon against the Charlotte Knights (12-14). Lehigh Valley pitcher David Buchanan (2-1, 3.47 ERA) was on the mound against Charlotte’s Johan Dominguez (2-1, 4.82 ERA).
After two scoreless innings, Lehigh Valley struck first in the bottom of the third inning. With a runner on third base, Lehigh Valley right fielder Jordan Luplow hit an RBI single to shortstop Colson Montgomery scoring Cal Stevenson for a 1-0 lead. Montgomery’s throw was high and first baseman Oscar Colás had to jump up in the air to make the catch.
However, at the top of the fourth inning, Charlotte tied the game 1-1 when designated hitter Chuckie Robinson hit Buchanan’s cutter for a solo home run over the wall at left field.
Moving ahead to the top of the fifth inning, Charlotte had a runner on second base when left fielder Wynton Bernard hit an RBI single to left field scoring Brett Phillips putting the Knights up 2-1. Then, Charlotte shortstop Colson Montgomery brought Bernard home with an RBI double to right field extending their lead to 3-1.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, Lehigh Valley left fielder Simon Muzziotti hit Lane Ramsey’s curveball for a solo home run over the wall at right field cutting Charlotte’s lead down to 3-2. It was Muzziotti’s second home run of the season and tenth RBI of the year.
At the top of the seventh inning, Lehigh Valley starter David Buchanan got back-to-back groundouts from Angelo Castellano and Wilmer Difo, before getting Brett Phillips to lineout toward second baseman Kody Clemens retiring the side. Buchanan pitched seventh innings, allowing six hits, three runs, one walk, and five strikeouts throwing 96 pitches, of which 62 were strikes.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the seventh inning, Lehigh Valley had the bases loaded with two outs for right fielder Jordan Luplow but he struck out swinging chasing Fraser Ellard’s slider.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, Lehigh Valley pinch-hitter Nick Podkul hit Justin Anderson’s slider for a solo home run over the wall at left field which tied the game 3-3. The game remained tied 3-3 heading to extra innings. It was Podkul’s first home run of the season and seventh RBI of the year.
Tyler McKay was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley at the top of the tenth inning. With a runner at second base, Charlotte designated hitter Chuckie Robinson hit McKay’s sinker for an RBI single to right field putting the Knights back on top 4-3.
Next, Charlotte right fielder Zach DeLoach hit McKay’s sinker for an RBI single to center field scoring Oscar Colás for a 5-3 lead. Two batters later, Charlotte third baseman Angelo Castellano brought Robinson home with an RBI single to right field for a 6-3 lead with one out. McKay got the last two outs which ended the inning.
The IronPigs had one more chance to get back into the ballgame in the bottom of the tenth inning. Cal Stevenson started the inning on second base. Charlotte pitcher Aaron McGarity hit Kody Clemens. Then McGarity struck out both Jordan Luplow and Darick Hall before walking Nick Podkul which loaded the bases for Weston Wilson.
Controversy unfolded when Wilson hit a ground ball toward shortstop Colson Montgomery, who tossed the ball over to second baseman Wilmer Difo getting Scott Kingery, who beat the toss at second base, was ruled out ending the game.
Kingery was livid and so was the IronPigs manager but the call stood and the IronPigs lost to the Charlotte Knights by the final score of 6-3. The IronPigs lose the series 4-2. Lehigh Valley finished the game with five hits and committed one error.
The loss went to Lehigh Valley pitcher Tyler McKay (1.0 IP, 3 H, 3 R, 2 BB, 2 K) throwing 28 pitches, of which 17 were strikes. The win went to Charlotte pitcher Justin Anderson (1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 K) throwing 20 pitches, of which 13 were strikes, and Aaron McGarity earned his first save of the season.
The IronPigs hit the road heading to Polar Park starting on Tuesday against the Worcester Red Sox at 6:05 pm on MiLB.TV. Purchase IronPigs tickets for the 2024 season today on StubHub and Viagogo. Also, pick up IronPigs merchandise today at Fanatics and Rally House.
