The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (26-12) and the Worcester Red Sox (18-19) played game five on Saturday night from Coca-Cola Park. The IronPigs were known as the Steel Workers for this game. Mick Abel (4-2, 2.75 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Robert Stock (2-1, 2.83 ERA) of Worcester.
In the bottom of the fourth inning, Lehigh Valley first baseman Buddy Kennedy hit Stock’s sweeper for a two-run home run at 340 feet to left field for a 2-0 lead. It was Kennedy’s second home run of the season. Kennedy finished the night going 2 for 4 with a single, a home run, and two RBIs.
At the top of the sixth inning, Worcester catcher Blake Sabol hit an RBI double to right field scoring Roman Anthony and Lehigh Valley’s lead was down to 2-1.
In the bottom of the sixth inning, Lehigh Valley designated hitter Erick Brito and shortstop Rodolfo Castro worked four-pitch walks forcing in two runs for a 4-1 lead.
In the bottom of the seventh inning, Lehigh Valley right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. hit an RBI double to left field scoring Justin Crawford for a 5-1 lead. Rincones Jr. finished the night 3 for 4 with two doubles, a stolen base, and one RBI.
At the top of the eighth inning, Worcester catcher Blake Sabol hit an RBI soft single to second baseman Rafael Lantigua scoring Karson Simas, and it was now 5-2 Lehigh Valley.
Daniel Robert closed out the game for Lehigh Valley. He struck out one player throwing 15 pitches, of which 12 were strikes to get the final three outs of the game. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs defeated the Worcester Red Sox by the final score of 5-2. Robert earned his first save of the season. Lehigh Valley has now won three consecutive games.
Lehigh Valley starter Mick Abel earned his fifth win of the season pitching seven innings, allowing three hits, one run, two walks, and nine strikeouts throwing 96 pitches, of which 61 were strikes. The loss went to Worcester starter Robert Stock.
The IronPigs and Red Sox concluded the six-game series on Sunday at 1:35 pm. Purchase IronPigs tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
