Phillies Minor League Report: Grady Sizemore, Jason Marquis carry IronPigs to victory
Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Wednesday, July 2.
Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Wednesday, July 2:
Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A
A walk-off single by center fielder Leandro Castro lifted the IronPigs to a 2-1 win over the Syracuse Chiefs at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa.
Left fielder Grady Sizemore hit a leadoff home run in the first inning to give his team a quick 1-0 lead. Sizemore finished 1-for-3 with two walks.
Right-handed starter Jason Marquis (0.69 ERA) did his part to hold the lead as he pitched seven shutout innings. Marquis gave up four hits, two walks and a hit batsman while striking out six. He had to settle for a no-decision as righty Ethan Martin surrendered a run in the eighth.
In the 10th, catcher Sebastian Valle pinch hit and drew a leadoff walk to set up Castro's walk-off single.
Third baseman Maikel Franco went 4-for-4 with four singles to raise his average to .219. It was his first four-hit game in triple A.
The IronPigs (42-44) will look for a two-game series sweep as righty Barry Enright (3-8, 5.28 ERA) heads to the hill in the finale on Thursday.
Reading Fightin Phils – Double A
The Fightin Phils fell to the New Hampshire Fisher Cats, 7-1, at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa.
The team has now lost 14 of its last 15 games.
Right-handed starter Ryan O'Sullivan (2-5, 3.78 ERA) suffered the loss after giving up four runs on seven hits and two walks in 3 2/3 innings.
Designated hitter Jake Fox (2-for-4 with a double and an RBI) and shortstop KC Serna (2-for-3 with a walk and a strikeout) combined for half of the offense's eight hits.
The Fightin Phils (34-47) will try for a series split on Thursday. Southpaw Adam Loewen (0-1, 5.40 ERA) is slated to start the finale.
Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced
The Threshers erupted for a 11-5 victory over the Dunedin Blue Jays at Florida Auto Exchange Stadium in Dunedin, Fla.
The team matched a season-high with 15 hits and the 11 runs set a new season-high.
Right-handed starter Colin Kleven (3-7, 5.21 ERA) was the beneficiary and took the win. He allowed four runs on 10 hits and two walks over five innings.
Left fielder Everett Williams (3-for-4 with a triple, a walk, three runs scored and an RBI) and designated hitter Brandon Short (3-for-5 with a double, a run scored and four RBI) powered the offense.
The teams will travel back to Clearwater as the series continues Thursday. The Threshers (5-8 in second half, 22-59 overall) hand the ball to righty Jeb Stefan (4-7, 5.14 ERA).
Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A
The BlueClaws were pounded by the Hagerstown Suns, 8-1, at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood Township, N.J.
The offense was held to five hits, including two from shortstop Malquin Canelo (2-for-3 with a double).
The lone run came off the bat of designated hitter Dylan Cozens, who hit his 11th home run of the season.
Right-handed starter Ranfi Casimiro (2-7, 4.98 ERA) suffered the loss. He surrendered five runs (four earned) on eight hits and three walks in seven innings.
Righty Tyler Viza (2-11, 5.38 ERA) will toe the rubber as the BlueClaws (4-10 in second half, 31-52 overall) look for a series win on Thursday.
Williamsport Crosscutters – Class A-Short Season
For the second time in as many days, the Crosscutters beat the Jamestown Jammers, 6-4, at Russell E. Diethrick Jr. Park in Jamestown, N.Y.
Left-handed starter Matt Imhof was charged with a run on a hit and two walks in just three innings.
Third baseman Derek Campbell fueled the win at the plate, going 2-for-4 with a double and three RBI.
Right fielder Cord Sandberg (2-for-4 with an RBI) and left fielder Jiandido Tromp (2-for-5 with a double, a run scored, an RBI and a strikeout) continued their hot hitting.
The Crosscutters (9-9) will look for a series sweep as righty David Whitehead (1-1, 1.93 ERA) takes the mound on Thursday.