Phillies Minor League Report: Cameron Rupp's homer lifts IronPigs to victory
Here’s a rundown on how the Phillies’ minor league teams fared on Sunday, April 6:
Here's a rundown on how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Sunday, April 6:
Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A
The IronPigs fell behind early but recovered to beat the Pawtucket Red Sox, 5-4, at McCoy Stadium in Pawtucket, R.I.
Right-handed starter Jonathan Pettibone gave up three runs in the second inning to put Lehigh Valley in an early hole, but the offense made the most of six hits and handed Pettibone a win. He allowed only those three runs on four hits and a walk over five innings, striking out two.
The IronPigs answered the Red Sox with a three-run third to even the score. It all started with right fielder Leandro Castro reaching on an error. Left fielder Tyler Henson singled and center fielder Clete Thomas hit a two-run double to capitalize on the error. Thomas would come around to tie to the score on shortstop Ronny Cedeno's RBI groundout.
Still tied in the top of the sixth, second baseman Reid Brignac ripped a one-out triple and catcher Cameron Rupp followed with a two-run blast that proved to be the game-winner. The homer was Rupp's third of the year in his third game played. Rupp finished the game 1-for-2 with two walks.
Closer Luis Garcia walked one and struck out two for his first save.
The IronPigs improved to 2-2 on the season. On Monday, Lehigh Valley will host the Buffalo Bisons for the first of a three-game series. Southpaw Greg Smith takes the bump.
Reading Fightin Phils – Double A
The Fightin Phils held on for a 4-3 win over the Portland Sea Dogs at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa.
All Reading's scoring came in the second inning. First baseman Brock Stassi, third baseman Matt Tolbert and designated hitter Chris Serritella started off the frame with three consecutive singles to give the Fightin Phils a 1-0 lead. Two batters later, second basenab Carlos Alonso cleared the bases with a three-run home run to give Reading all the runs the team would need.
Right-handed starter Perci Garner went six innings and earned the victory. He allowed three runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk while striking out six. Garner also uncorked a wild pitch.
Closer Ken Giles struck out the side in the ninth to secure his second save of the season.
Shortstop Edgar Duran had Reading's only multi-hit game. He singled twice in two at bats and added a sacrifice bunt.
The Fightin Phils (2-2) earned a series split in their opening series. Reading will now host the New Hampshire Fisher Cats for a three-game set, beginning on Monday. Righty Luis Paulino is slated to take the mound in the opener.
Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced
The Threshers lost in Cole Hamels' first rehab start to the Dunedin Blue Jays, 5-2, at Bright House Field in Clearwater, Fla.
Hamels served up two solo home runs to Dwight Smith Jr., but shut down the other Dunedin hitters. Hamels allowed just one other hit and struck out four over his four innings of work. Hamels also hit a batter, but picked him off first base.
Righthander Miguel Nunez, who was scheduled to start Sunday, relieved Hamels and pitched the rest of the game. He allowed three runs on eight hits and a walk while striking out six over five innings.
Third baseman Harold Martinez supplied the offense for the Threshers. He led off the fourth with a double and scored on a double play ball. Martinez added a sacrifice fly in the sixth to score shortstop Angelo Mora, who reached base on a single. Martinez finished 2-for-3 with a strikeout.
Center fielder Peter Lavin enjoyed his second consecutive three-hit game, going 3-for-4 with a double. He also threw out a runner at second base from the outfield.
The Threshers fell to 1-3 on the season. After an off day Monday, Clearwater will host the Tampa Yankees on Tuesday.
Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A
The BlueClaws' series finale against the Savannah Sand Gnats was postponed due to rain. The game will me made up at the end of April.
Righty Ranfi Casimiro, who was scheduled to start Sunday, will now start the opener of a three-game set with the Greensboro Grasshoppers (1-3) on Monday.
The BlueClaws are 2-1 on the season.