In a weekend packed with Lehigh Valley Professional Sports, the IronPigs were able to grab 2 wins from the visiting Rochester Red Wings to stay perfect at Coca-Cola Park and bring their record to 9-2.

As a result of Saturday’s  5-2 and Sunday’s 3-1 victories over the Wings, only the Lansing Lugnuts (Toronto – Class A) have a better winning percentage (9-1  .900 winning %) in all of (active) Minor League Baseball (at this moment).  While there are other undefeated home teams, only the IronPigs are 7-0. The St. Lucie Mets (NYM) and the Charlotte Stone Crabs (TB) in the Florida State League are both 4-0 at home.

Guess the Player

Without cheating take a guess who is (as of this posting) leading LHV in batting (.297), has the most hits (11), is tied for 1^st in RBIs (7), and tied for 1^st in Runs (6). Go ahead, I’ll wait….

That’s right it’s Domonic Brown!  Sure appears Domonic has put last year behind him, perhaps any remaining naysayers should do the same? Just sayin’…

The Mini-Series

The IronPigs outscored the Red Wings by a total of 5 runs. The overall team batting averages were within 5 points but the IronPigs out hit the Wings with runners in scoring position (.333 to .267) and left  12 on base vs. the Wings 18 LOB.

While the hitting has been on a steady rise the pitching has continued to play a key role in victory. During this mini-series the Red Wings bullpen combined for a 4.50 ERA – The IronPigs an astonishing 1.00 ERA.

The Road

LHV will begin a 7 day road trip on Monday beginning with 4 games against the Buffalo Bisons followed up by 3 against the Red Wings and will return to Coca-Cola Park on Monday, April 23 for Richie T Bobblehead night. Hopefully, Matt Provence will make the bus ride home…

Be sure to look for awesome photos from Cheryl Pursell (and a few from me) in an upcoming post – “S-A-T-U-R–D-A-Y Night! – Dog Day Afternoon – IronPigs Style”

Pig Out!

DiPro’s Dish

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On a (warmer) Friday the 13th, firework extravaganza night, the IronPigs derailed the Syracuse Chiefs to earn the series sweep and their best start ever at 7-2 along with the first 3 game sweep at Coca-Cola Park with the best record in the entire IL!

The story of the night was Syracuse starting pitcher, $5 mil man John Lannan and Adam Kilgore of The Washington Post has the call.

Posted at 07:10 PM ET, 04/03/2012

John Lannan optioned, Ross Detwiler to the Nationals rotation: Initial thoughts

By Adam Kilgore

The entire article is clickable above (good read on this interesting story – below is an excerpt.)

“Lannan becomes the highest-paid player ever optioned to the minors before the end of spring training, and also the first healthy pitcher to post a sub-4.00 ERA and get optioned to the minors before the end of the following spring.”

There was much talk of John “Lee Majors” Lannan and his $5mil contract. During his warm-up in the ‘Pen it seemed like he had decent stuff including a strange 4 finger grip (new camera coming soon).

Pigs Jump to a 5-0 Lead – Syracuse Shoddy

Regardless, the scoring began in the 2nd when Hector Luna singled, Cody Overbeck singled off the glove of 3rd baseman Carlos Rivera and Lou Montanez drew a walk. Tuffy Gosewisch had a chance to go back to back 4 bangers, but alas it was not to be. Tuffy did grab an RBI scoring Luna on a ground out to 3rd.  The Iron’ strikes  first and leads the Pigs lead 1 – 0.

Then it got bizarre as a lazy fly to left off  pitcher (Tom “Life is a Highway”*  Cochran) jumped out of left fielder Cory Brown’s glove – he caught it and it just jumped out – it reminded me of  the old “let’s pull a rabbit out of my hat” trick  and scored Overbeck and Lou Montanez who drew a previous walk. Pigs up 3 – 0

Two more would score in the 3rd after a Frandsen single, a Dominick Brown double and an error on short-stop Seth Bynum. ‘Pigs are now cruising with a 5-0 lead.

Chiefs Get on the Board

Jason Michaels and Bryce Harper would single and Michaels would score in the 4th on an error by Hector Luna. Tyler Moore who did not hit any home-runs this game for a change –  popped out to Overbeck to stem the train. Pigs 5 – Chiefs 1

More Chiefs

The Chiefs would score again with two outs in the 5th when Cory Brown walked, Seth Bynum singled followed by a Jason Michaels single to score Brown. Instead of his traditional HR,Tyler Moore doubled to left to scoring Bynum and Michaels. Tyler Moore would advance to 2nd when a throw home went through both catcher Tuffy Gosewisch and pitcher Tom Cochran. Friday the 13 was certainly if full swing (more on that later).  Pigs 5 – Chiefs 4 (and the nail-biting ensues)

Overbeck Over the Wall

No need to chip a tooth as Lannan got the hook in the bottom half of the 5th after a 3 run blast on Cody Overbeck’s first HR of the season and then a walk to Hector Luna. Overall LHV knocked the bionic out of “Steve Austin” for 8 runs (4 earned) on 9 hits with 3 BB and 3 SO.  Austin Babbins-Dirkx came on to end the inning despite a two out Andres Blanco Single Pigs 8 – Chiefs 4

Here come the Chiefs

The Chiefs added two more runs in the 6th when Jhonatan Solano reached on a 6 pitch walk, Jarrett Hoffpauir reached on a the 3rd IronPigs E on the night this time by Kevin Frandsen.

David Purcey took the mound in relief of Cochran and promptly surrendered a triple to pinch hitter Mark Teahan scoring Solano and Hoffpauir.

Tyler Moore steps to the plate after sucessive walks to Seth Bynum and Jason Michaels. This time Moore is less and fouls out to right fielder Lou Montanez. Pigs 8 – Chiefs 6 (and the nervousness ensues).

Purcey goes on to pitch the rest of the 6th and the 7th giving up 2 hits, 0 runs, 2 BB and 1 SO.

With the score 8 – 6 top 8th who would you make the call to? Yes, “Phear the Phro” ‘Scwim’ is in and proceeds to pitch 2 strong innings surrendering 1 hit, no runs and striking out half the hitters he faced. LHV remains undefeated at Coca-Cola Park.

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The Box

This was certainly an odd evening and it was after all Friday the 13th. The IronPigs have been lucky in Friday the 13th games all-time going 3-1 and outscoring their opponents 22-17.

The Pig Pen

In this 3 game series the ‘Pen has surrendered only 8 hits in 9.2 innings pitched, 1 earned run, 13 SO and 2 BB for… wait for it an ERA of .93. “How do you like all that”*

The Harper/Moore Effect

While it was unfortunate to be unable to speak with Bryce Harper (media blackout), in a conversation with GM Kurt Landes he mentioned  Harper’s actually a nice kid – shame we couldn’t have found out for ourselves. Come to think of it there was no helmet throwing incidents or kisses blown to IronPigs pitchers and consequently not much action at the plate either.

Tyler Moore on the other hand had an outstanding series but it was all for naught.

 

 Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

The Rochester Red Wings come into town for a quick 2 game series starting at 6:35 pm on Saturday.

Go Pigs!

DiPro’s Dish

On Fefe bobble head/arm giveaway night, the IronPigs got their 6th victory  winning 5 of those 6 by a single run.

It just doesn’t matter

Syracuse first baseman Tyler Moore continues to rock ‘Pigs pitching with his 3rd home run in two nights.

It just doesn’t matter when in the bottom of the 4th IronPigs catcher Tuffy Gosewisch hits only the 3rd Grand Salami at Coca-Cola Park and that’s all the ‘Pigs would need. The other two were of course by Andy Tracy now the Manager for the Crosscutters in Williamsport (Class A Short-Season).

It just doesn’t matter when the combination of Raul Valdes and Phillippe Aumont go 3 up 3 down in the 7th, 8th, and 9th with 6 (of 9) being strike outs.

It just doesn’t matter when “The Star” Bryce Harper has an o’fer.

In fact, at this point what does really matter? Other than LHV is 6-2, off to their best start ever and along with the Columbus Clippers have the best record in the IL!

The Box

The Voice

Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

That should be all you need to know – so please enjoy the pretty pictures and we’ll try to do it all again tomorrow!

A huge thanks to Cheryl Pursell for her amazing photo contributions!

OinK

DiPro’s Dish

What the Hail?

As folks were eagerly waiting to get their hands on a Ferrous Bobblebelly the sky opened up and the hail began to fall. The weather however would not dampen the IronPigs bats on this chilly April evening.

In an action packed game including 13 runs on 22 hits, the wood came to life and the ‘Pigs rocked 7 of those runs on 9 hits to win 7-6. Most importantly Lehigh Valley went 4-11 with runners in scoring position to pull off the win and garner their best start ever at 5W – 2L.

The Hitting

Scott Podsednik (CF) 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored

Dom Brown (LF) 1 for 3, 1 RBI, and 1 Run scored

I still hear a lot of rumbling about Brown around the park and not all of it is positive. It seems however as if he is on his way to silencing the naysayers. He’s hustling in the field and getting timely hits – while the season is young it’s a step in the right direction for Brown.

Hector Luna (3B) 1 for 3 with 1 run scored

Lou Montanez (RF) 1 for 3

Cody Overbeck (1B) 1 for 4, 1 RBI and 1 run scored

Erik Kratz (C) 2 for 4, 2 RBIs, and 1 run scored

Joe Thurston (Howell the 3rd) whacked a pinch hit dinger to right in the 8th for the game winner as the Chiefs Tyler Moore rocked his 2nd homer in the 9th.

Overall the ‘Pigs batted .290 and a powerful .363 with runners in scoring position.

The Bullpen

Austin Hyatt earned the win going 5 innings, giving up 2 (earned) runs on 6 hits with 3 SO and 4 BB.

Michael “Phear the Phro” Schwimer pitched 1 inning, giving up 2 hits and 3 (un-earned) runs while walking 1.

Jake Diekman with two strong innings gave up 4 hits, no runs and earned his 2nd hold of the year.

Other than the Tyler Moore blast Phillippe Aumont shut down Syracuse and earned his 2nd save of the year.

Overall the bullpen surrendered 13 hits and only 3 of the 6 scored by Syracuse were earned. The pen was saved by some timely fielding including 3 double plays and the Chiefs were 3-13 with RISP and left 9 on base.

The Harper

19 year old phenom Bryce Harper was held in check by the ‘pen and went 1 for 5 with 3 SO.

Wishful Thinking

While the temperature board said 44 degrees it felt much colder than that and after a brief rain shower the Park emptied rapidly. As the temp board flipped screens there seemed to be a subliminal message displayed.

The Box

Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

The Pix

The IronPigs will try to repeat tomorrow evening at Coca-Cola Park. The Palm trees at the Tiki Terrace will be lit – hopefully it will raise the temperature a bit.

Pig Out!

DiPro’s Dish

The first place IronPigs will conclude their 4 game series at sunny, windy Pawtucket in the first day game of 2012 before returning to Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday to take on Bryce Harper and the Syracuse Chiefs.

Right Hander Dave Bush (3 teams in 2011 and 3.91 ERA with the ‘Pigs) will get the nod for the ‘Pigs and Ross Ohlendorf  (4.77 ERA in his MLB appearances) for the PawSox.

Back in August during a Bush start a bench clearing incident occurred resulting in the suspension of catcher Erik Kratz.  (Bush was not on the mound during the incident).

Bottom 1 (Viva La Frandsen)

Keven “Viva La” Frandsen robbed Mauro Gomez (1B) of a sure RBI single with a dynamite play at SS. Seems the Phils have some great play at short so far this season.

Top 2 (Now 29 total LOB)

After Hector Luna flies out after back to back singles by Joe Thurston and Cody Overbeck, the ‘Pigs strand two as Derrick Mitchell grounds into a 5-4-3 double play.

Bottom 2 (Runs, Drips, and Errors)

Luis Exposito (C) lines a double to left and scores on a throwing error by Tuffy Gosewisch (C) after a bunt by Pedro Ceriaco (SS).

Josh Kroeger (CF) goes down swinging and Lavarnway (DH) grounds out to Luna leaving Ceriaco on 2nd following a stolen base.

Derrick Mitchell grabs an ice-cream cone pop-up to center to end the inning and stem the scoring onslaught. Pigs 0 – Sox 1

Top 3 (39.9% lead-off walk scores – not this time)

Kevin Frandsen grabs a lead-off walk only to have Dom Brown ground into a 4-6-3 double play. 2 down

Hector Luna pops out to end the inning. Pigs still down 1-0

Bottom 6 (Valdes spills)

Bush finishes with 5 strong innings giving up 2 hits, 2 BB, 2 SO and 1 (un)earned run.

Raul Valdes in to start the 6th.

Josh Kroeger (CF) singles to 2nd and Larvarnway blasts one to center that is tracked down at the wall by Mitchell. 1 out

Mauro Gomez (1B) proceeds to blast one over the left field fence to put the PawSox up 3-0.

Lars Anderson (LF) with a line shot to right – man on – one out. Valdes with not a strong start.

Will Middlebrooks (3B) launches another liner to left center – two on – still one out – Valdes struggling at this point.

Daniel Nava (RF) blasted a homer to left clearing the bases.

Nate Spears (2B) pops out and Luis Exposito is gunned down with a grounder to Thurston to end the inning but the damage has been done. PawSox 6 – Pigs zilch.

Top 7 (Spoon swoons)

Chorye Spoon on to pitch for Ohlendorf who went 6 stellar innings giving up 2 hits, 3 BB, 1 K and zero runs.

Frandsen is robbed by a diving SS Ciriaco. 1 out

Brown reaches on an error by first baseman Mauro Gomez.

Hector Luna grounds out into the 3rd ground ball double play to end the inning.

Bottom 7 (More Horst Power)

Jeremy Horst in to replace Valdes who leaked 5 hits and 5 runs.

Ciriaco grounds out to Thurston on a quick toss to first. 1 out

Kroeger grounds out to Overbeck. 2 out

Lavarnway grabbed a 2 out walk.

Gomez singles and Lars Anderson pops out to end the inning. PawSox 6 – ‘Pigs zip

Top 8 (Spoonerific)

Thurston grounds out to first. 1 out

Overbeck grounds out to short for the 2nd out

Mitchell grounds out to third to end the inning. Pigs still down 6-0

Bottom 8 (Horst put to pasture)

Middlebrooks launched one over right center – 7 nothing Pawsox.

Nava singles to left.

Spears flies out to center fielder Mitchell. 1-out

Exposito blasts one to left that gets over Brown’s head to bounce in the stands for a ground rule double scoring Nava. PawSox now up 8 nil.

Horst is lead to pasture and replaced by left-handed pitching David Purcey.

Ciriaco singles on a swinging bunt to pitcher Purcey and advances Exposito to third. 2 on 1 out

Josh Kroeger strikes out for the 2nd out of the inning.

Lavarnway pops out to Overbeck but not before further damage and the ‘Pigs are now down 8 – love.

Top 9 (no rally Cap required)

Garret Mock on the hill to begin the 9th.

Gosewisch and Suomi lead off with singles. 2 on – none out

Posednik lines out to left. 1 out

Frandsen flies to center for out number 2 – Tuffy to third on the tag-up.

Dom Brown pops out to short to end the misery. Final Sox 8 – Pigs 0

Click below for the Matt Provence IronPigs Radio Recap of the Game.

Tough day for the bullpen after a strong season start. As the Spring air warms, let’s hope the bats do the same. To look at the overall stats and note the record only bodes well for the future or perhaps not.

In the first 6 games the ‘Pigs are 32 for 164 at the plate for a sub-Mendoza line .195 average but are still 4-2 and at least in a tie for first in the IL North. (Note that all 6 games used the DH)

Be sure to rub your Ferrous bobble-belly for luck and Bring on the Chiefs and the NOISE!

OinK

DiPro’s Dish