Leandro Castro |

Tyler Cloyd pitched a gem tonight against one of the hottest AAA teams in the land. Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

The Tyler Cloyd we’ve come to know and love as a dominant pitcher for the IronPigs returned tonight, much to the chagrin of the AAA-leading Indians. He scattered four hits over eight quick innings with zero walks. His ten strikeouts tied his career high. Only a Matt Hague solo home-run to the lawn spoiled the potential shut-out. Justin De Fratus worked an efficient ninth to close things down on a dominant win at Coca Cola park this evening in front of 9,411.

Castro, Photo (c) Cheryl Pursell

IronPigs scoring came courtesy of an all-around team effort, aggressive base running, and outstanding performances by the Dictator and the J-Train. Leandro Castro and Jermaine Mitchell caused all kind of havoc for the first-place Indians. Castro went 2/3 with a 2B, 2 RBI and a run scored, while JMitch went 2/4 plus reached on an error and a BB. He had a 3B (almost tried for an inside-the-park), and RBI, and scored twice. That’s the kind of set-up you need out of that lead-off spot!

The J-Trane on Track! Safe at Second!
(c) Cheryl Pursell

…and safe at home too!
(c) Cheryl Pursell

And speaking of lead-off hitters, word from Twitter as of this writing, had Tyson Gillies headed to New Hampshire to join the AA Reading Fightin Phils to make room for catcher Humberto Quintero who accepted his assignment to AAA and will report to the IronPigs tomorrow. We wish Tyson well as he continues to work on his new batting stance and swing. In fact, we saw him working with roving hitting instructor and Iron Pig Emeritus Andy Tracy yesterday during batting practice. In addition to the extra work, Tyson still found time to talk with us on camera about grilling with his roommates and finding sushi on the road trips. Look for video and audio from that interview in upcoming posts.

Jordy Mercer, who broke our back with a three-run double last night, was called up to the Pirates today and similarly helped defeat the Washington Nationals. Good for him! In other Pirate news, top pitching prospect and former #1 overall draft pick Gerrit Cole will start against the ‘Pigs tomorrow night at Coca Cola Park. He’s similarly young and talented as our roster, and it should be fun to watch. Rehab-ing Major League-er Charlie Morton was throwing hard tonight for the Indians, but didn’t have the control necessary to keep the ‘Pigs in check, despite not giving up a hit. He threw 49 pitches over three innings giving up a run and two BB with one K. On Sunday, the ‘Pigs should see another rehabbing MLBer, Francisco Liriano (again). That will be interesting as well because the ‘Pigs saw him in Indy on the recent road trip. I will be curious to see how our young hitters adjust, seeing him a second time (and, as somewhat of a Pirates fan myself, Liriano’s ability to adjust, as well.)

We welcome back Tom Cochran, as well, who will start for the ‘Pigs tomorrow night. Some say Life is a Highway, but I think he can beat Gerrit Cole. Then again, I might be some kind of lunatic. Lunantic Fringe, that is: