The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (54-51) played game five of a six-game series from 121 Financial Ballpark against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (51-55). Lehigh Valley starter Max Castillo (0-5, 8.76 ERA) was on the mound against Jacksonville’s Adam Muzar (1-3, 7.83 ERA).
At the top of the second inning, Lehigh Valley had runners on first and second base when designated hitter Matt Kroon hit a two-run RBI double to center field scoring Buddy Kennedy and Rodolfo Castro. Kroon attempted to reach third base but he was called out and the IronPigs took a 2-0 lead. It was Kroon’s 26th RBI of the year. Lehigh Valley did not add any more runs in the inning.
In the bottom of the second inning with two outs and runners on first and second base when right fielder Griffin Conine hit Castillo’s slider for a three-run home run clearing the wall at right field for a 3-2 lead. A flyout by José Devers ended the inning.
In the bottom of the third inning with two outs and a runner on third base. Jacksonville first baseman Deyvison De Los Santos hit Castillo’s sinker for a two-run home run over the wall at center field extending the Jumbo Shrimp’s lead 5-2. A ground out by Agustin Ramirez ended the inning.
At the top of the fourth inning, Lehigh Valley had runners on first and second base with one out when designated hitter Matt Kroon hit Mazur’s fastball for a three-run home run clearing the wall at right field and the game was tied 5-5. The home run went 386 feet with an exit velocity of 100.8 mph. It was Kroon’s sixth home run of the season and 29th RBI of the year. Lehigh Valley did not add any more runs in the inning.
Max Castillo (5.0 IP, 5 H, 5 R, 3 R, 2 K) threw 67 pitches, of which 41 were strikes. Jonah Dipoto was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley in the bottom of the sixth inning. Dipoto (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) threw 18 pitches, of which 9 were strikes.
At the top of the eighth inning, Lehigh Valley shortstop Scott Kingery was called stealing second base. He argued the call and was ejected from the game. Jim Haley replaced him at shortstop. Michael Rucker was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley in the bottom of the seventh inning. Rucker (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 K) threw 17 pitches, of which 13 were strikes.
Michael Mercado was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley in the bottom of the eighth inning. Mercado (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 K) threw 21 pitches, of which 9 were strikes to get three outs. Michael Mercado returned to pitch in the bottom of the ninth inning. He threw 17 pitches, of which 11 were strikes to get the three outs.
Tyler McKay was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley in the bottom of the tenth inning. Troy Johnston started at second base for Jacksonville. McKay walked Deyvison De Los Santos. Next, McKay threw a wild pitch moving both runners up a base. Then, Tristan Gray hit the ball to a diving first baseman Kody Clemens. Clemens had no play and Johnston scored ending the game. McKay (0.1 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K) threw seven pitches, of which four were strikes.
The IronPigs lost to the Jumbo Shrimp 6-5. Lehigh Valley leads the series 3-2. They finished the night with seven hits and committed one error. The loss went to Lehigh Valley pitcher Tyler McKay for his second loss of the season. The win went to Jacksonville pitcher Adam Oller.
The IronPigs and Jumbo Shrimp conclude the six-game series on Sunday at 5:05 pm on MiLB.TV. Purchase IronPigs tickets for the 2024 season today on StubHub and Viagogo. Also, pick up IronPigs merchandise today at Rally House.
