Phillies Minor League Report: Maikel Franco homers in IronPigs' loss
Here’s how the Phillies’ minor league teams fared on Monday, August 25.
Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Monday, August 25:
Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A
The IronPigs lost to the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-3, at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, Pa.
Right-handed starter Brad Lincoln (6-11, 5.26 ERA) put his team in an early hole and suffered the loss. Lincoln allowed four runs on 10 hits and three walks over five innings.
The IronPigs tried to climb back into the game with a three-run fifth. Second baseman Nate Spears and shortstop Cesar Hernandez drew walks to start the threat. Right fielder Leandro Castro lifted a ball to the outfield for a sacrifice fly and third baseman Maikel Franco capped the inning off with a two-run home run.
It was Franco's 15th homer of the season and his third in the last four games.
That's as close as the IronPigs would get as the offense was held to five hits.
Righty Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez recorded two perfect innings to lower his ERA to 1.93.
The IronPigs (62-75) will look for a series win on Tuesday. Righty Sean O'Sullivan (5-10, 4.44 ERA) is slated to start the finale.
Reading Fightin Phils – Double A
The Fightin Phils were blanked by the Portland Sea Dogs, 3-0, in the opening game of a four-game series at Hadlock Field in Portland, Maine.
Reading outhit Portland, 7-6, but couldn't push a run across the plate.
Right-handed starter Severino Gonzalez (9-13, 4.72 ERA) was stuck with the loss despite a serviceable outing. Gonzalez was charged with three runs on six hits and a walk in six innings.
Designated hitter Jake Fox (2-for-3 with a hit by pitch) singled twice to notch the game's only multi-hit effort.
The Fightin Phils (59-76) will send righty Ryan O'Sullivan (5-8, 4.23 ERA) to the bump as the series continues on Tuesday.
Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced
The Threshers (28-36 in second half, 45-87 overall) were idle on Monday.
The team is currently in fifth place in the Florida State League North, 9 1/2 games behind the first-place Daytona Cubs.
Righty Mark Leiter (3-4, 4.91 ERA) will take the ball as the Threshers open a series with the Tampa Yankees on Tuesday.
Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A
The BlueClaws (23-38 in second half, 50-80 overall) had an off day on Monday.
Lakewood is in last place in the South Atlantic League Northern division, 16 games back of the first-place Hagerstown Suns.
The BlueClaws will host the Hickory Crawdads for a three-game set, beginning Tuesday when righty Tyler Viza (3-16, 5.15 ERA) takes the ball.
Williamsport Crosscutters – Class A-Short Season
The Crosscutters were shut out by the Batavia Muckdogs, 3-0, at Dwyer Stadium in Batavia, N.Y.
Left-handed starter Brandon Leibrandt (2-3, 2.20 ERA) was hit hard and took the loss. Leibrandt gave up three runs on 11 hits over five innings.
First baseman Rhys Hoskins (2-for-3 with a walk) and left fielder Chase Harris (2-for-4 with a caught stealing) combined for half of the offense's eight hits.
The teams will wrap up a two-game series on Tuesday. The Crosscutters have not announced a starting pitcher yet.