A 2-run, bases-loaded single is enough to beat Rochester, 2-1.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Lehigh Valley IronPigs edged the Rochester Red Wings 2-1 Saturday evening before 7,380 fans at Frontier Field.
The Wings scored the first run of the game in the bottom of the first when Kennys Vargas hit an RBI single into right field off IronPigs starter Drew Anderson, making the score 1-0. Vargas’ single scored Nick Gordon from third. Gordon reached base in the previous at bat with a triple that hit the centerfield wall.
The IronPigs responded in the top of the third with a bases-loaded single by Danny Ortiz off of Wings starter Fernando Romero, that scored two. Dean Anna scored from third, and Mitch Walding from second, to make the score 2-1 IronPigs.
DJ Baxendale took the mound in the top of the fourth for the Wings, ending Romero’s day after 3.0 innings pitched. Romero allowed 3 hits and 2 runs, both earned, while walking 5 and striking out 3 on 73 pitches, 38 of which were strikes.
Baxendale turned in 1.0 inning of work, allowing 2 hits on 19 pitches, 12 for strikes. Dietrich Enns entered the game in the top of the fifth to relieve Baxendale.
The IronPigs looked like they would score another run in the top of the seventh when Joey Meneses hit a single to left field with a runner in scoring position. However, a great throw from LaMonte Wade in left got J.P. Crawford at the plate as he tried to score from second, keeping the game at 2-1.
Tom Windle took the mound in the bottom of the seventh for Lehigh Valley, relieving Anderson who pitched 6.0 innings, allowing 3 hits and 1 run, earned, while striking out 5 and walking 2 on 98 pitches, 60 for strikes.
Enns was outstanding, turning in 5 scoreless relief innings in is first appearance back with the Wings after being promoted from Double-A Saturday. Enns allowed 4 hits and a walk, while striking out 2 and throwing 63 pitches – 36 for strikes.
The Wings made a bid to tie the score in the bottom of the ninth against All-Star closer Pedro Beato. A pair of singles by Jeremy Hazelbaker and Juan Graterol put runners at the corners with one out. But Beato got a double play grounder from Gordon to end the threat and the game.
*NOTES — In roster moves Saturday, RHP Tyler Duffey and OF Johnny Field were recalled by the Minnesota Twins as LHP Andrew Vasquez had his contract selected by Minnesota; RHP Omar Bencomo and LHP Dietrich Enns were transferred from Double-A Chattanooga…The final homestand of the season continues with a 6:05 pm game Sunday night, with fireworks after the game.