A solid night for the Phillies’ affiliates with three of the top four recording victories, with Lehigh Valley winning twice. There was a lot of offense on a hot night, with Lehigh Valley and Reading combining for 39 runs over three games.
Lehigh Valley 18, Rochester 3
Lehigh Valley 11, Rochester 9
The IronPigs earned not one, but two victories on Thursday thanks to a high-powered offense. The first game was a resumption of a game suspended from Tuesday. Resuming in the fifth inning with the ‘Pigs leading 2-0, the ‘Pigs proceeded to demolish the Red Wings’
pitching staff. Otto Kemp homered and Steward Berroa had two doubles as part of a three hit/four RBI effort.
In the second game, the ‘Pigs had to overcome shaky outings by pitchers Chuck King and Kirby Snead. But Otto Kemp, Keaton Anthony, and Felix Reyes all hit home runs. Reyes’ three-run shot was the capper on a five-run sixth inning that put the ‘Pigs on top.
Reading 10, New Hampshire 4
Much like the IronPigs, the Fightin’ Phils had a good offensive night. Starting pitcher Kyle Brnovich was strong through four innings before running into trouble in a three-run fifth.
The F-Phils’ bats more than made up for it. Riley Tirotta and Kehden Hettiger both hit home runs, while third baseman Raider Tello made a strong first impression. In his Reading debut, he hit a grand slam in the fifth inning to bust the game open.
Rome 8, Jersey Shore 4
Jersey Shore lost its sixth straight game on Thursday, including the first three of their series against the Emperors. This one went poorly from the beginning as starting pitcher Luke Gabrysh couldn’t survive the first inning, getting tagged for four runs.
Offensively, center fielder Carter Mathison had a big night with three RBI including a ninth-inning home run. But the rest of the BlueClaws’ lineup combined for just three hits.
Clearwater 4, Fort Meyers 2
Nathan Humphreys was the offensive star for the Threshers, getting on base in all four plate appearances while driving in three runs. TJayy Walton also hit a home run.
Starting pitcher Brad Pacheco pitched well, giving up just one (unearned) run in five innings while striking out seven. Tegan Cain later pitched a clean ninth inning to earn his second save.
FCL Phillies 7, FCL Blue Jays 2
A six-run fourth inning was enough to power the Phillies to a win over the Blue Jays. The big blow in the inning was a three-run home run by left fielder Jack Barker, his fourth of the season.
DSL Phillies 12, DSL Rangers 7
An eight-run third inning put this one out of reach early. Dayber Cruceta and Jose Tovar each had three hits and Juan Parra scored three runs including his second home run of the season.
