The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (23-31) returned to Coca-Cola Park Tuesday versus the Worcester Red Sox (32-21) in a 7-2 loss. This was the third time this year that both teams met. The IronPigs are 3-10 this year against the Red Sox.
On the mound for Lehigh Valley was Cristopher Sanchez (2-3, 4.08 ERA), while the Red Sox went with Stephen Gonsalves (3-2, 3.89 ERA).
At the top of the second inning, with the bases loaded and two outs, Red Sox third baseman Chad De La Guerra hit a two-run single to right field for a 2-0 Red Sox lead. Then, IronPigs catcher Rafael Marchan’s tried to get De La Guerra out stealing second, but the ball got by second baseman Jake Elmore, and the Red Sox’s added another run 3-0.
At the top of the third inning, with one out and a runner on second, Red Sox designated hitter Johan Mieses doubled on a sharp line drive to right field, adding another run 4-0. Then in the bottom of the third, with runners on second and third, IronPigs third baseman Nick Maton grounds into a force-out, scoring a run that cut the Red Sox’s lead 4-1.
Rain began to fall on the field at the top of the fourth inning, and lightning lit up the sky to force the umpires to delay the game. The rain delay lasted one hour and twenty minutes before play resumed. The Red Sox brought in Marcus Walden to pitch once play resumed. Two batters later, IronPigs designated hitter Ryan Cordell singled to center field, adding another run 4-2.
Moving ahead to the top of the sixth inning with runners on the corners, Red Sox second baseman Jack Lopez’s sacrifice fly made it 5-2. The IronPigs would bring David Paulino in to pitch. Worcester added another run on a single by center fielder Jarren Duran for a 6-2 lead. Then Red Sox first baseman Yairo Munoz added another run with a single to center field to make it 7-2.
The IronPigs offense went quiet the rest of the way. Then, in the bottom of the ninth inning, Red Sox closer Matt Hall finished the game to give Worcester a 7-2 win.
Lehigh Valley pitcher Cristopher Sanchez went (3.0 IP, 5 H, 4 R, 3 ER, 3 BB, and 2 SO) and suffered his fourth loss of the season. The win went to Red Sox relief pitcher Marcus Walden (2.1 IP, 3 H, 1 BB, 1 SO).
Game two between the IronPigs and Red Sox from Coca-Cola is today at 7:05 pm. Starting for Lehigh Valley is Mark Appel (1-0, 2.70 ERA) and Raynel Espinal (7-1, 3.42) gets the start for Worcester.
