Phillies Minor League Report: Maikel Franco sparks IronPigs' blowout win

Here's a rundown on how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Sunday, April 20:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A

The IronPigs routed the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 9-4, at PNC Field in Moosic, Pa.

Lehigh Valley recorded 15 hits to build a 9-0 lead before allowing four runs in the final inning for the win.

The game was scoreless until the fourth, when catcher Koyie Hill delivered a two-out triple to score third baseman Maikel Franco, who led off the frame with a single. Designated hitter Steve Susdorf would follow with an RBI double for a 2-0 lead.

The IronPigs would continue to churn out extra-base hits in the fifth. Second baseman Tyler Henson hit a lead-off double and center fielder Tyson Gillies reached on an error to set up Franco's two-RBI double. Shortstop Reid Brignac brought Franco to the plate with his own RBI double and would score on Hill's RBI single to make the score 6-0.

In the seventh, Lehigh Valley would add three more runs with five singles from left fielder Clete Thomas, Franco, first baseman Jim Murphy, Hill and Susdorf.

Left-handed starter Cesar Jimenez (1-0, 0.77 ERA) was the beneficiary of the offense. He allowed only one hit while striking out three over five innings to take the win.

Three IronPigs drove in multiple runs in the win: Franco (3-for-5 with a double, two runs scored, two RBI and a strikeout), Hill (4-for-5 with a triple, a run scored and two RBI) and Susdorf (2-for-5 with a double, two RBI and a strikeout).

The win lifted the IronPigs' record to 7-10. Lehigh Valley will look for a series win in the finale Monday. Righty David Buchanan (1-0, 2.65 ERA) is slated to start.

Reading Fightin Phils – Double A

The Fightin Phils (9-5) were idle on Sunday. Reading will welcome the Richmond Flying Squirrels (10-6) on Monday for the first of a three-game home series. Righty Luis Paulino (1-0. 1.80 ERA) will take the ball in the opener.

Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced

The Threshers (3-13) were also idle on Sunday. Clearwater will host the Daytona Cubs (3-13) for a three-game series that will feature the teams with the two worst records in the Florida State League. Righty Jon Prosinski (0-2, 6.89 ERA) will be called upon to make the start on Monday.

Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A

The BlueClaws (4-11) had an off day as well on Sunday. Lakewood begins an eight-game, seven-day home stand on Monday. Righthander Mark Leiter (2-1, 3.00 ERA) takes the bump for the opening game of a three-game set with the Charleston RiverDogs (8-8).

< Previous day's report | Next day's report >