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Phillies Minor League Report: Brian Pointer's big day carries Threshers to victory

Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Sunday, July 27.

Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Sunday, July 27:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A

Left-handed starter Jo-Jo Reyes was removed in the third inning and the IronPigs lost to the Buffalo Bisons, 9-4, at Coca-Cola Field in Allentown, Pa.

In the first, designated hitter Russ Canzler, center fielder Leandro Castro and first baseman Jim Murphy hit back-to-back-to-back RBI hits to give the IronPigs an early 3-0 lead.

The lead didn't last long with Reyes (0-2, 16.43 ERA) on the hill. He allowed eight runs (seven earned) on eight hits and two walks in 2 2/3 innings. Most of the damage came in a seven-run second.

Canzler (2-for-4 with two runs scored and an RBI) and Castro (2-for-4 with a double, a run scored, two RBI and a strikeout) had multi-hit games.

The IronPigs (49-60) will look to avoid a series sweep as righty Sean O'Sullivan (4-8, 4.87 ERA) takes the ball in the finale on Monday.

Reading Fightin Phils – Double A

The Fightin Phils were torched for 19 hits in a 6-4 loss to the Akron RubberDucks at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa.

Right-handed starter Chris Bootcheck was tagged for four runs on 12 hits, two walks and a hit batsman in 5 2/3 innings. Bootcheck settled for a no-decision as he kept his team in the game.

The offense started strong as the Fightin Phils scored in four of the first five innings, but couldn't get anything going late. Shortstop KC Serna (3-for-5) and first baseman Jake Fox (2-for-4 with an RBI) combined for half of Reading's 10 hits.

Tied at four apiece in the ninth, righty Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez (0-2, 3.38 ERA) gave up two runs and suffered the loss.

Designated hitter Kelly Dugan blasted a solo home run, his fourth of the season, in the third.

The Fightin Phils (44-61) move on for a four-game series with the Portland Sea Dogs. Righty Severino Gonzalez (6-11, 5.09 ERA) is slated to start the opener on Monday.

Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced

The Threshers edged the Jupiter Hammerheads, 7-6, at Roger Dean Stadium in Jupiter, Fla.

Five leads were squandered by the teams in the game.

Right-handed starter Jordan Guth struggled as he allowed four runs (two earned) on five hits and four walks over 3 2/3 innings.

Tied at six apiece in the ninth, right fielder Brian Pointer lifted a sacrifice fly that scored center fielder Roman Quinn to take the lead for good.

Pointer finished the game 2-for-4 with a home run, a double, three runs scored, three RBI and a stolen base. The homer was Pointer's 10th of the season.

Shortstop J.P. Crawford (2-for-4 with a walk, a run scored and a stolen base) and left fielder Everett Williams (2-for-3 with a walk, a run scored and an RBI) also had multi-hit games.

The Threshers (15-21 in second half, 32-72 overall) will begin a four-game series against the Fort Myers Miracle on Monday. Righty Jeb Stefan (6-9, 6.11 ERA) will take the bump in the opener.

Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A

The BlueClaws lost both ends of a doubleheader with the Kannapolis Intimidators at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood Township, N.J.

A six-run sixth doomed the BlueClaws in the first game, 7-3.

Left-handed starter Matt Imhof (0-1, 3.38 ERA) was stuck with the loss as he gave up a run on four hits while striking out four over five innings.

Designated hitter Larry Greene hit a two-run home run in the seventh inning. It was his first homer of the season.

The BlueClaws were doubled up, 6-3, in the second game.

Right-handed starter Julio Reyes gave up three runs on five hits over four innings.

Third baseman Mitch Walding powered the offense in the second game, finishing 3-for-4 with a home run, a double, a run scored and two RBI.

The BlueClaws (14-23 in second half, 41-65 overall) send righty Tyler Viza (3-13, 5.01 ERA) to the mound as the series continues Monday.

Williamsport Crosscutters – Class A-Short Season

The Crosscutters lost in walk-off fashion to the Batavia Muckdogs, 6-5, at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia, N.Y.

Right-handed starter David Whitehead put his team in an early 4-0 hole, but the offense spared him the loss. He surrendered those four runs (two earned) on five hits and a walk in six innings.

Second baseman Drew Stankiewicz (2-for-3 with a double, a run scored and an RBI) and first baseman Rhys Hoskins (1-for-4 with a home run, a run scored, two RBI and a strikeout) helped rally the team back in the game.

Righty Jesen Therrien came in to attempt the save with a one-run lead, but served up a two-run home run.

The Crosscutters (21-22) will trot out righty Mitch Gueller (3-2, 3.25 ERA) when the series continues Monday.

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