The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (67-51, 21-23) played game five on Saturday night from Sahlen Field against the Buffalo Bisons (46-69, 16-26). Andrew Painter (3-5, 5.42 ERA) was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Lazaro Estrada (3-5, 5.19 ERA) of Buffalo.
The Philadelphia Phillies re-signed outfielder Oscar Mercado last Wednesday. He was in the lineup playing right field.
In the bottom of the first inning, Lehigh Valley starter Andrew Painter loaded the bases allowing a hit and two walks. Left fielder Yohendrick Pinango hit a sacrifice fly to right field. Jonatan Clase scored for a 1-0 lead.
Next, Buffalo catcher Brandon Valenzuela reached first base on a fielding error by second baseman Donovan Walton. Michael Stefanic scored for a 2-0 lead. Then, third baseman Damiano Palmegiani hit an RBI single to left field. R.J. Schreck scored for a 3-0 lead.
At the top of the third inning, Lehigh Valley designated hitter Brewer Hicklen hit Estrada’s four-seam fastball for a solo home run at 407 feet to left field. The IronPigs trailed the Bisons 3-1. Later, Lehigh Valley had a runner on third base when left fielder Justin Crawford grounded out to first baseman Phil Clarke, and Luis Verdugo scored. It was now 3-2 with two outs. A flyout by Johan Rojas ended the inning.
At the top of the fourth inning, Lehigh Valley shortstop Rodolfo Castro hit Estrada’s four-seam fastball for a two-run home run at 358 feet to left field for a 4-2 lead. It was Castro’s 14th home run of the season and 59th RBI of the year.
Moving to the top of the fifth inning, Lehigh Valley left fielder Justin Crawford hit an RBI double to right field. Luis Verdugo scored for a 5-2 lead. It was his 21st double of the season.
Next, center fielder Johan Rojas hit an RBI single to right field. Justin Crawford scored for a 6-2 lead. Then, second baseman Donovan Walton hit an RBI double to center field. Johan Rojas scored for a 7-3 lead. Lehigh Valley catcher Garrett Stubbs hit an RBI single to center field. Donovan Walton scored for an 8-3 lead.
Lehigh Valley starter Andrew Painter pitched five innings. He allowed four hits, three runs, three walks, and five strikeouts throwing 83 pitches, of which 50 were strikes. At the top of the sixth inning, Lehigh Valley left fielder Justin Crawford hit an RBI single to center field. Robert Moore scored for a 9-3 lead.
At the top of the eighth inning, Lehigh Valley second baseman Donovan Walton hit an RBI single to center field. Justin Crawford scored for a 10-3 lead.
Lehigh Valley’s offense finished the night with 12 hits, committed one error, went 6 for 14 with runners in scoring position, and left six men on base. Justin Crawford went 3 for 5 with two singles, a double, a stolen base, and three RBIs.
The bullpen pitched four innings and allowed three hits. Lehigh Valley starter Andrew Painter won his fourth game of the season. The loss went to Buffalo starter Lazaro Estrada.
The IronPigs and Bisons conclude the six-game series on Sunday at 1:05 pm.
