The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (15-7) returned to Coca-Cola Park on Tuesday night to begin a six-game homestand against the Columbus Clippers (12-8). Ranger Suarez (0-0, 0.00 ERA) was on the mound making a rehab start for Lehigh Valley against Parker Messick (1-0, 2.57 ERA) of Columbus.
Lehigh Valley first baseman Buddy Kennedy went 2 for 3 with a double, two walks, and two RBIs, while right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. went 1 for 4 with a single, sacrifice fly, and two RBIs.
Lehigh Valley catcher Garrett Stubbs went 1 for 4 with an RBI, third baseman Otto Kemp went 1 for 2 getting hit four times which was a new franchise record, and designated hitter Óscar Mercado went 2 for 2 with a double, three walks, and a stolen base as the IronPigs defeated the Clippers by the final score of 7-3.
Lehigh Valley starter Ranger Suarez pitched a good game going five innings, allowing two hits, two walks, and five strikeouts throwing 59 pitches, of which 40 were strikes for his first win of the season. Lehigh Valley relief pitcher Jose Cuas gave up three runs and Nick Vespi finished the game. This loss went to Columbus starter Parker Messick.
The IronPigs and Clippers continue their series on Wednesday at 6:45 pm. Purchase IronPigs tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
