Phillies Minor League Report: Maikel Franco, Darin Ruf homer in IronPigs' loss
Here’s a rundown on how the Phillies’ minor league teams fared on Monday, May 19.
Here's a rundown on how the Phillies' minor league teams fared on Monday, May 19:
Lehigh Valley IronPigs – Triple A
The IronPigs were doubled up by the Buffalo Bisons, 8-4, at Coca-Cola Field in Buffalo, N.Y.
Left-handed starter Greg Smith (4-1, 3.72 ERA) suffered his first loss of the season. He gave up five runs on six hits and two walks over five innings. He also hit a batter and uncorked a wild pitch.
All four IronPigs' runs came via the long ball. Right fielder Leandro Castro hit a two-run home run in the second inning to put Lehigh Valley up 2-1.
Trailing 5-2 in the sixth, third baseman Maikel Franco and first baseman Darin Ruf crushed back-to-back jacks to try to mount a comeback. It was Franco's fourth homer of the year and Ruf's first.
The IronPigs fell to 23-21 on the season. Lehigh Valley will look for a series split on Tuesday. Righty Sean O'Sullivan (1-3, 3.75 ERA) is slated to start the finale.
Reading Fightin Phils – Double A
The Fightin Phils took both ends of a doubleheader against the New Hampshire Fisher Cats at FirstEnergy Stadium in Reading, Pa.
Second baseman Albert Cartwright led the way at the plate in the first game, a 5-3 win. He went 2-for-3 with a home run, two runs scored, two RBI, a stolen base and a strikeout.
Right-handed starter Perci Garner (4-2, 3.57 ERA) earned the win, going six strong innings. He was charged with three runs on six hits and three walks.
In the second game, Reading needed an extra inning to earn a 3-2 victory.
Cartwright starred again in the second game, adding two singles and a run scored in four plate appearances.
Designated hitter Brock Stassi (1-for-3 with a walk and two RBI) and third baseman Anthony Phillips (2-for-4 with an RBI and a strikeout) helped the cause.
Lefty Austin Wright (2-0, 4.35 ERA) survived a tough inning, allowing a hit and two walks, to take the win.
The Fightin Phils improved to 23-18. The teams will play one game on Tuesday as Reading hands the ball to southpaw Jesse Biddle (3-4, 3.20 ERA).
Clearwater Threshers – Class A-Advanced
The Threshers lost to the Charlotte Stone Crabs, 7-6, in 12 innings at Charlotte Sports Park in Port Charlotte, Fla.
Right-handed starter Jon Prosinski struggled from the jump and put his team in an early hole. He served up six runs on nine hits and a walk while striking out seven in five innings.
Facing deficits of 5-0 and 6-2, the Threshers were able to battle back to send the game into extra innings on the backs of first baseman Art Charles (3-for-5 with two runs scored a walk), catcher Gabriel Lino (2-for-5 with a walk, two RBI and two strikeouts) and right fielder Brian Pointer (1-for-5 with a solo home run and two RBI).
Righty Jeb Stefan (2-3, 5.46 ERA) was stuck with the loss after allowing a run on two hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings.
The Threshers couldn't reach double digits in wins yet again and are now 9-32. Clearwater will travel to face the St. Lucie Mets for a four-game series beginning Tuesday. Righty Luis Paulino (0-0, 3.24 ERA) will take his turn in the rotation in the opener.
Lakewood BlueClaws – Class A
The BlueClaws were edged by the Rome Braves, 4-3, at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood Township, N.J.
Shortstop J.P. Crawford (2-for-4 with a walk and two runs scored) and first baseman Wilmer Oberto (2-for-4 with a double and two RBI) weren't enough in the loss.
Right-handed starter Tyler Viza (2-4, 3.80 ERA) took the loss as he gave up three runs (two earned) on six hits in four innings.
The loss dropped the BlueClaws to 16-26. The series concludes Tuesday as righty Julio Reyes (0-2, 5.59 ERA) takes the hill for Lakewood.