Phillies Minor League Report: Altherr homers in Lehigh Valley loss

Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Thursday, July 23:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A

Though they fought valiantly, the IronPigs could not overcome giving up four runs in the top of the eighth inning, eventually falling to Toledo 7-6. Lehigh gave up four runs in a 3-3 ballgame, but scored three of their own in the bottom of the ninth, but the rally fell just short.

Aaron Altherr hit his fourth home run of the year, a solo shot, on a night when he went 2-for-4. Jordan Danks came in the pinch hit in the bottom of the ninth and came through with a two RBI double that pulled the IronPigs within striking distance.

Sean O'Sullivan was on the mound for Lehigh, and did not pitch poorly. He went seven innings and gave up just three runs, putting his team in a position to win after leaving in a tie ballgame.

Lehigh Valley starts a series with Syracuse on Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Reading Fightin Phils – Double-A

Reading could not get anything going on offense until it was too late, falling to New Britain 7-2. Both of the Fightin Phils' runs came in the top of the ninth, with the fate of the game already sealed.

Brock Stassi accounted for the only RBI on the day, thanks to his ninth home run of the season. He was also the only Reading player to have more than one hit, going 2-for-3 on the night.

Colin Kleven didn't have a stellar outing. He gave up seven runs in just four and a third innings on the mound to fall to 1-3 on the season.

New Britain and Reading continue their series at 7:05 p.m.

Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced

Clearwater and Jupiter needed extra baseball to decide who would come away with a Thursday night win, but the balance did not tip the way Phillies fans would like. Jupiter scored a run in the top of the 10th that the Threshers could not match in the bottom half to take the game, 3-2.

Dylan Cozens had the best day at the plate for the Threshers. He went 3-for-4 with a double and a triple, accounting for one of the two Clearwater runs.

Brandon Leibrandt did his best to limit the damage and keep the Threshers within striking distance. He went seven innings and gave up two runs on three hits.  He earned a no decision.

Clearwater will look for redemption against Jupiter on Friday night at 6:30 p.m.

Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A

The BlueClaws fell to the West Virginia Power, 5-1, Thursday at FirstEnergy Park.

Starter Austin Davis pitched five innings and allowed four runs on six hits. Davis took his fourth loss of the season.

Third baseman Damek Tomscha had the BlueClaws' only RBI.

Lakewood is back in action Friday at 7:05 p.m.

Williamsport Crosscutters – Short-Season A

The Crosscutters hammered the Hudson Valley Renegades, 8-3, Thursday at Dutchess Stadium.

Starter Jose Taveras pitched five innings and allowed two runs on six hits. He also struck out six batters on his way to his fourth win of the season.

Catcher Gregori Rivero went 1-for-5 with a grand slam.

Second baseman Josh Tobias went 3-for-5 with a triple, home run and two RBIs.

Williamsport is back in action Friday at 7:05 p.m.