By Darryl Harding Sr –
Woosox RHP Jason Alexander started on the mound in this fourth game versus the Phillies triple-A affiliate, Lehigh Valley Ironpigs. Alexander spun a doozy, not allowing a base runner until the 4th inning but pitching out of it, stranding two runners.
The Lehigh starter RHP Tyler Phillips let up one run in the 1st and 2nd innings, highlighted by a solo blast by Enmanuel Valdez. Alexander was relieved after 84 pitches going 5.1 innings leaving Lehigh scoreless. RHP Chase Shugart takes over with the score remaining at 2-0.
Shugart fell into trouble with a walk, a hit batter and an errant pickoff throw. A forced ground out scored Scott Kingery. Woosox LHP Lucas Luetge came in inheriting batters and a sacrifice fly by Darick Hall scored Jose Godoy, tying the game at 2-2. Lehigh starter Phillips went a surprising 6.2 innings with 112 pitches thrown.
Spelled by LHP Kolby Allard Phillips leaves the bases loaded. The Woosox unfortunately squandered the opportunity, the score fixed at 2-2. “We had the opportunity to create serious separation earlier… but we didn’t do it,” said Woosox manager Chad Tracy,” On the back end… as long as we’re tied and we’re at home we have a shot.”
After a 2 run bottom of the 8th, one run scored due to a wild pitch by Allard, the Ironpigs put RHP Ryan Burr on the mound. Now 4-2 Luetge closed out getting the win for the Woosox. Two games remaining in this homestand Woosox look to continue putting Ws on the books with excellent pitching and runs produced.