The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (25-12) and the Worcester Red Sox (18-18) played game four on Friday night from Coca-Cola Park on Star Wars night. Alan Rangel (2-0, 5.51 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Brian Van Belle (0-1, 3.00 ERA) of Worcester.
In the bottom of the first inning, Lehigh Valley catcher Garrett Stubbs hit a bunt RBI single to pitcher Brian Van Belle scoring Justin Crawford for a 1-0 lead.
Later, Lehigh Valley had the bases loaded when designated hitter Oscar Mercado worked a four-pitch walk forcing in a run, which was scored by Otto Kemp to extend their lead to 2-0. Lehigh Valley did not add any more runs in the inning.
Moving ahead to the bottom of the fifth inning, Lehigh Valley first baseman Buddy Kennedy hit an RBI single off the glove of third baseman Adam Eaton and Justin Crawford scored. The IronPigs took a commanding 3-0 lead over the Red Sox.
At the top of the sixth inning, Lehigh Valley relief pitcher Austin Schulfer loaded the bases with two outs. Then, Worcester first baseman Nathan Hickey hit Schulfer’s four-seam Fastball at 380 feet to right field for a grand slam. The Red Sox took a 4-3 lead. Nicholas Padilla came in for the IronPigs to get the final out of the inning.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lehigh Valley shortstop Erick Brito hit an RBI single to center field scoring Cal Stevenson and the game was tied 4-4.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Lehigh Valley first baseman Buddy Kennedy hit a double to left field with catcher Garrett Stubbs up to bat. Stubbs hit a bunt to pitcher Wyatt Mills. Mills made a throwing error and Buddy Kennedy scored. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs defeated the Worcester Red Sox by the final score of 5-4.
Lehigh Valley starter Alan Rangel pitched 5.2 innings, allowing two hits, one run, three walks, and nine strikeouts throwing 97 pitches, of which 60 were strikes in a no-decision. The win went to Lehigh Valley relief pitcher Max Lazar.
It was his second win of the season. Lazar pitched one inning, allowing one hit, one walk, and two strikeouts throwing 19 pitches, of which 11 were strikes. The loss went to Worcester pitcher Wyatt Mills.
The IronPigs and Red Sox play game five on Saturday at 6:35 pm. Purchase IronPigs tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
