On Sunday afternoon from PNC Field, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (30-24) took on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (19-33). This was the last visit for the IronPigs at PNC Field this season. The IronPigs were looking to take five of six games from the RailRiders.
Colton Eastman (0-5, 5.24 ERA) was on the mound for the IronPigs, while the RailRiders started Vinny Nittoli (2-0, 5.40 ERA).
At the top of the first inning, the IronPigs struck first. IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall was up at-bat with a runner on third base. He hit a sacrifice fly to center field, bringing home a run, 1-0.
In the bottom of the third inning, the RailRiders tied the game. RailRiders’ shortstop Oswald Perez was up at-bat with runners on the corners. IronPigs’ catcher Rafael Marchan threw the ball to second baseman Scott Kingery attempting to catch Estevan Florial stealing second. However, Kingery could not hold onto the ball and a run scored from third base, tying the game 1-1.
At the top of the fourth inning, the IronPigs blew the game open. IronPigs’ right fielder Jorge Bonifacio hit a solo home run near the foul post at left field for a 2-1 lead. Three batters later, IronPigs’ third baseman Will Toffey was up at-bat with runners on first and second base. He doubled on a fly ball to right field, adding two more runs, 4-1.
Then, two batters later, IronPigs’ center fielder Matt Vierling was up at-bat with runners on second and third base. He hit a three-run home run over the foul pole at left field for a 7-1 lead. Three batters later, IronPigs’ designated hitter Dustin Peterson hit a solo home run out to left field for an 8-1 lead.
The IronPigs added another run without a hit at the top of the fifth inning. IronPigs’ shortstop Drew Maggi was up at-bat with the bases loaded. RailRiders’ relief pitcher Braden Bristo walked Maggi, forcing in a run, and it was now 9-1 IronPigs.
Meanwhile, IronPigs’ starter Colton Eastman went four innings, allowing three hits, one run, two walks, and three strikeouts. Jeff Singer replaced Eastman in the bottom of the fifth inning.
In the bottom of the fifth inning, the RailRiders scored two runs. RailRiders’ first baseman Greg Byrd was up at-bat with runners on the corners. He hit a sharp ground ball past Darick Hall and into right field, scoring a run that cut the IronPigs’ lead, 9-2. Then, a sacrifice fly by RailRiders’ second baseman Jose Peraza made it 9-3.
The IronPigs added three more runs at the top of the seventh inning. IronPigs’ third baseman Will Toffey was up at-bat with a runner on first base. He hit a two-run home run out towards the Oak Grove picnic area at right field for an 11-3 lead. Three batters later, IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall was up at-bat with runners on the corners. He hit a sacrifice fly out to left field, adding another run, 12-3.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, the RailRiders scored their last run of the game. RailRiders’ catcher Rob Brantly was up at-bat with the bases loaded. He grounded out to IronPigs’ pitcher Zach Warren for the first out, but a run scored, 12-4.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the ninth inning, Tyler Cyr closed out the game for the IronPigs. He gave up one walk and got the last three outs to secure a 12-4 IronPigs win. The IronPigs won five of six games.
The win went to IronPigs’ relief pitcher Jeff Singer (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 2 SO), and the loss went to RailRiders’ relief pitcher Matt Krook (2.1 IP, 7 H, 8 R, 3 BB, 1 SO).
The IronPigs continue their road trip in Omaha, Nebraska, against the Omaha Storm Chasers from Werner Park starting Tuesday at 8:05 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub, and pick up IronPigs merchandise today at Fanatics.com.
