The IronPigs made a bold statement today. “We are in first place and we’re fighting to stay there!” Not an actual statement but it showed through on the field in their 4 to 0 win over the Columbus Clippers today.
Brian Bass had a great day going 5.2 innings and allowing only 2 hits striking out 3. He did, however, walk 5 and got some help from outfielder Brandon Moss Hogg who made a spectacular catch saving a clear double with a run.
Les Walrond earned his 4th hold going 2.1 innings and DeFratus came on to close out the game. Both walked one and allowed no hits.
The Pigs scored 1 run in the 1st, 2nd, 4th and 7th innings. Barfield and Moss Hogg both had solo homeruns and Dane Sardinha raised his .111 average 27 points by going 3 for 3 today.
The Clippers didn’t hit the ball, but their middle infield looked poor these past two games. Both 2nd baseman Phelps and shortstop Valbuena had an error today to go along with 2 costly errors yesterday. (Valbuena and Smith)
Perhaps the heat got to them too.
With the win today the Pigs earned at least a series split and are gunning for a series win in tomorrow’s game. If you asked me before this series started I would have been excited for a split and now I can say I am really hungry for a series win. With Pawtucket winning late in Buffalo today (Scored 3 runs in the top of the 9th to win 7-6) they Pigs maintain their 1 game lead in the IL North.
Oink on little piggies!
noisenation.mlblogs.com 
I heard on the post game show on the way home, that the IronPigs have now tied SWB for the most shutouts this season with 11, and is now the franchise record.
Interesting – IronPigs are 3-1 with Sal Rende in charge 🙂
Nate Bump vs. Corey Kluber on Monday !
No one (including me) can predict the future, but I think based on what I am seeing that Justin DeFratus has a legitimate shot at the Major Leagues. It was also very nice to see Les Walrond show he still has something good left in his tank. Moss’s incredible catch and follow up home run have to rank with the best on field memories in the short history of CCP. It was quite a day despite the heat.
Les Walrond has to be the feel-good story of the season for the IronPigs. Picked up from the independent Atlantic League, he’s simply been spectacular since his return to the IronPigs. I may be wrong, but I don’t think he’s given up a run yet in relief. What a tremendous job he’s doing for us!
Looks like Polanco 5 innings Thurs, 9 innings Friday–Housnick tweet