The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (1-0) kicked off the 2026 season on Friday night against the Toledo Mud Hens (0-1) from Coca-Cola Park. Alan Rangel was on the mound for Lehigh Valley against Sean Guenther of Toledo.
In the bottom of the first inning, Lehigh Valley had a chance to get the first run of the game with runners on first and second base with one out. Third baseman Carter Kieboom grounded into a 4-6-3 inning-ending double play.
At the top of the second inning, Toledo struck first when left fielder Corey Julks hit an RBI single to center field. Center fielder Pedro Leon attempted a diving catch, but came up short, and Trei Cruz scored. A throwing error by Leon allowed Julks to run to third base. A flyout by Tomás Nido ended the inning.
Lehigh Valley starter Alan Rangel pitched 4.2 innings, allowing three hits, one run, three walks, and four strikeouts, throwing 82 pitches, of which 47 were strikes. Moving ahead to the bottom of the sixth inning, Lehigh Valley left fielder Felix Reyes started the inning with a double to center field. Bryan De La Cruz and Carter Kieboom walked to load the bases.
Three batters later with two outs, shortstop Christian Cairo worked a four-pitch walk, scoring Reyes, and the game was tied 1-1. Lehigh Valley was unable to add any more runs.
In the bottom of the seventh, Lehigh Valley center fielder Pedro León stole second base. A wild pitch by Tanner Rainey and a throwing error by Toledo catcher Max Anderson allowed León to score. The IronPigs took a 2-1 lead.
Later, Lehigh Valley had the bases loaded when Toledo pitcher Matt Seelinger threw a wild pitch, scoring Felix Reyes for a 3-1 lead. Two batters later, Lehigh Valley second baseman Liover Peguero broke the game open with a two-run RBI single to center field. Bryan De La Cruz and Carter Kieboom scored for a 5-1 lead.
Moving to the top of the ninth inning, Trevor Richards was the new pitcher for Lehigh Valley. With one out, Toledo right fielder Wenceel Pérez hit Richard’s changeup for a solo home run at 359 feet to right field. Lehigh Valley’s lead was now 5-2. With two outs, a flyout by Eduardo Valencia ended the game. The IronPigs defeated the Mud Hens 5-2. It was Lehigh Valley’s sixth straight opening day win.
Lehigh Valley finished the night with nine hits, two errors, 1 for 9 with runners in scoring position, and left 10 men on base. Left fielder Felix Reyes finished the night 4 for 5 with two doubles. The win went to Lehigh Valley pitcher Nolan Hoffman. He pitched one inning, allowing one hit and two strikeouts, throwing 21 pitches, of which 14 were strikes. The loss went to Toledo pitcher Tanner Rainey.
The IronPigs and Med Hens play game two on Saturday at 4:35 pm on the MLB App. Zach Wheeler will make a rehab start for Lehigh Valley against Toledo’s Bryan Sammons.
