Phillies Minor League Report: Pivetta struggles in debut for Reading

Here's how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Saturday, August 1:

Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A

Norfolk and Lehigh Valley had a very exciting first inning. The two combined to score seven runs in the first frame alone, but it was the IronPigs who continued the scoring in their 8-4 win over the Tides.

Norfolk scored all of their four runs in the first inning, taking a 4-3 lead that would last until the IronPigs had a four run inning of their own in the third inning. Lehigh won by four runs despite being outhit by Norfolk 12-6.

Chris McGuinness had the best night statistics wise at the plate for Lehigh. We went 1-for-3, but knocked in three runs and scored one himself.

The two teams finish their series on Sunday afternoon at 1:35 p.m.

Reading Fightin Phils – Double-A

The Fightin Phils have had a knack for comeback wins lately, and would have a chance to do it again on Saturday night against New Hampshire. They put up a valiant effort, scoring three runs in the top of the ninth, but it was not enough to lead them to victory, falling by a score of 9-7

Destin Hood did all he could at the plate to try and will Reading back into the game in which they fell behind 9-3. He went 4-for-4 with two doubles and three RBI.

Nick Pivetta, who was acquired in the trade for Jonathan Papelbon, had a rough first outing in the Phillies organization. He lasted just five innings and gave up seven earned runs, taking the loss.

Reading and New Hampshire do battle again on Sunday at 1:35 p.m.

Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced

St. Lucie scored in each of the first four innings and Clearwater did not respond, leading to a 6-0 loss for the Threshers.

Starter David Whitehead managed to go just 3 2/3 innings and gave up four earned runs, chalking him up for his ninth loss of the season.

Mitch Walding was the only Thresher to have multiple hits (two) and have an extra base hit, which was a double. Clearwater managed just six hits on the evening.

Clearwater and St. Lucie finish their series with a 1:00 p.m. game on Sunday.

Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A

Lakewood, much like Clearwater, also struggled at the plate on Saturday. Also like Clearwater, they took a 4-0 loss after mustering just six hits, the only difference was their game was against West Virginia.

Emmanuel Marrero was the only BlueClaw to have multiple hits on the night. Deivi Grullon was the only Lakewood player to record an extra base hit, which was a double.

Lakewood will have a chance at redemption when the two teams play on Sunday at 2:05 p.m.

Williamsport Crosscutters – Short-Season A

WIlliamsport was held scoreless by Vermont for almost all of the game, but decided to come alive to make things interesting. The Crosscutters scored three runs in the bottom of the ninth inning, but it was not enough to complete the comeback as they fell 4-3 to the Lake Monsters.

Jesus Posso came up with a two RBI double in the ninth that brought the Crosscutters within striking distance. Jan Hernandez hit him home with a single, but nobody could bring Hernandez around the bases to tie the game.

Tyler Gilbert got the start for Williamsport and also took the loss after allowing three runs, none of them earned, in 4 1/3 innings of work. He gave up three hits and struck out four on the night.

WIlliamsport and Vermont play again at 5:05 p.m. on Sunday.