The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (43-20) concluded a six-game series against the Charlotte Knights (31-32) on Sunday afternoon from Truist Field. Nicholas Padilla (2-0, 1.96 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Evan McKendry (0-3, 6.84 ERA) of Charlotte.
Charlotte jumped out to a 5-0 lead in the bottom of the first inning with an RBI single from Andrew Vaughn, an RBI double by Tristan Gray, a sacrifice fly from Bryan Ramos and a home run by Dominic Fletcher.
Charlotte added five more runs in the bottom of the second inning with a three-run home run by Andrew Vaughn, and a two-run home run by Andre Lipcius for a 10-0 lead.
At the top of the third inning, Lehigh Valley third baseman Luis Verdugo hit McKendry’s four-seam fastball for a two-run home run at 376 feet to right-center field and it was now 10-2 Charlotte. It was Verdugo’s first home run of the season.
At the top of the seventh inning, Lehigh Valley second baseman Rafael Lantigua hit Keone Kela’s four-seam fastball for a two-run home run at 355 feet to left field and it was now 10-4. It was Lantigua’s third home run of the season.
Lehigh Valley continued to chip away at Charlotte’s lead. With the bases loaded, Oscar Mercado and Rodolfo Castro were both hit by pitches and it was now 10-6. Next, second baseman Rafael Lantigua grounded into a forceout at second base but a throwing error by Tristan Gray allowed two more runs to score. It was now 10-8. Then, Lehigh Valley third baseman Luis Verdugo hit an RBI single to right field scoring Rafael Lantigua and it was now 10-9. With two outs and runners on first and second base, Lehigh Valley catcher Garrett Stubbs was called out on strikes.
Lehigh Valley gave themselves a chance to tie the game at the top of the ninth inning but could not do it. The Lehigh Valley IronPigs lost to the Charlotte Knights by the final score of 10-9. Lehigh Valley takes 2 of 6 from Charlotte and heads home on a three-game losing streak.
The loss went to Lehigh Valley starter Nicholas Padilla for his first loss of the season. He pitched one inning, allowing three hits, five runs, and one walk, throwing 21 pitches, of which 14 were strikes. The win went to Charlotte starter Evan McKendry.
Lehigh Valley second baseman Rafael Lantigua finished the day going 3 for 4 with two singles, a home run, and three RBIs. Lehigh Valley third baseman Luis Verdugo went 2 for 4 with a single, a home run, and three RBIs.
Lehigh Valley returns to Coca-Cola Park to begin a two-week homestand starting on Tuesday against the Worcester Red Sox at 6:45 pm. Purchase IronPigs tickets today on StubHub and Viagogo.
