Five-Run Fifth Inning Pushes IronPigs Past PawSox Saturday

Pawtucket Red Sox Press Release

(Pawtucket, RI) – Lehigh Valley batted around and scored five times in the fifth inning to turn a one-run deficit into a four-run lead and the IronPigs held on to defeat the Pawtucket Red Sox, 7-4, before 4,653 fans at McCoy Stadium on Saturday afternoon. 

Justin Maxwell blasted a two-run homer in the fourth for the PawSox (10-7), but the ‘Pigs (9-7) responded right away with a nine-batter, four-hit rally that plated five total runs and helped them even the three-game series at one apiece.

Pawtucket starter Keith Couch (0-1), making his season debut after being added to the roster from extended spring training, held Lehigh Valley to one run on two hits through four frames.  But after the first two men reached in the fifth on a walk and a single, Ryan Jackson laid down a sacrifice bunt right in front of home plate.

PawSox catcher Blake Swihart picked up the bunt and tried to nail the lead runner at third base, but instead saw his toss roll into the left field corner allowing two runs to score. Darnell Sweeney followed with an RBI double that made the score 4-2.

After Taylor Featherston then flew out, Nick Williams RBI single plated Sweeney with the inning’s fourth run, then two batters later Brock Stassi’s RBI groundout increased the IronPigs lead to 6-2.

The PawSox rallied for a pair of two-out runs in the sixth against reliever Gregory Infante thanks to consecutive RBI singles from Ryan LaMarre and Mike Miller.  But the ‘Pigs added an insurance run in the top of the eighth when J.P. Arencibia homered against Jorge Marban.

IronPigs starter Mark Appel (3-0) allowed two runs on five hits in five innings, while closer Edward Mujica tossed two scoreless innings to earn his fourth save.  Couch was charged with six runs (four earned) in seven full innings of work.

Miller paced the PawSox’ eight-hit attack by going 3-for-4. Stassi drove home a pair of Lehigh Valley’s seven runs.

The PawSox and IronPigs will play the rubber-match of the series at McCoy Stadium on Sunday afternoon at 1:05 pm.  Pawtucket right-hander Sean O’Sullivan (2-1, 2.89) is scheduled to start against righty David Buchanan (0-1, 4.91).

Good seats are still available at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com. Radio coverage begins on WHJJ and throughout the PawSox radio network at 12:35 pm.