“A bad day’s when I lie in bed
And think of things that might have been”
Slip slidin’ away
-Paul Simon
The losing streak is at 5 games now. With every mounting loss, it feels like the tremendous playoff opportunity is slipping away.
About Last Night
The 13-3 clubbing by the fake Red Sox may look like a massive pitching failure–and it kind of was–but the ‘Pigs had their opportunities with guys on base and couldn’t capitalize. Some of my favorite relievers failed, just when it looked like the IronPigs might scratch their way back into the game. Zuni, deGeus and Robert all surrendered crooked numbers. Walker was able to rebound from a tough spot he was put in on Sunday in Charlotte and 1B Keaton Anthony made his Triple-A debut to the tune of 2-for-5 batting in the three-hole.
Magic Number
Nashville lost again in Norfolk last night, but with a Jacksonville win in Rochester we look to the Jacksonville number. Jacksonville is at 39 wins, if they win their final 10 games they can get to 49. The IronPigs are stuck at 43 wins; they just need to get to 50 to lock it up. That’s seven. The Magic number remains at 7. The only team that’s really hot right now? Yeah, this Worcester team. They’re not out of it, either.
Interesting nugget from the radio broadcast last night concerning the tie breakers. The first ones don’t count of course because we do not play these teams. It will come down to “Last 20” winning percentage, and with this late-half swoon, there’s no way the IronPigs can win that over these surging teams.
Transactions
Somewhat of a surprise move to happen on a Wednesday following games in Reading and Lehigh Valley on Tuesday, but it is an advantage of the proximity of the two teams and having them both home at the same time. RHP Michael Mercado was called up to the Phillies to replace the DFA’d Carlos Hernandez. The IronPigs used the roster spot for a position player, given the loss of Kemp to the Phillies, the Injured List Christian Arroyo and the nicked up Stubbs and Crawford. Keaton Anthony is still listed as an outfielder by the league, I think, but he’s been primarily 1B since he’s been to Double-A. As we covered in the Transactions Post, I can quibble about the lack of power stroke and the lack of walks, but he just hits and .328/.358/.512 will play.
Oh, and RHP Aaron Nola is on the shelf right now with a rib strain or something. Don’t count on a rehab appearance this week or next at this point.
On the Worcester side, RHP Robert Stock was outrighted from Boston.
Printable Roster: 061125 LHV Roster
Game Day!
First Pitch: 6:45PM
Gates: 5:00PM (all gates)
Promotions:
- Twisted Thursday Happy Hour: Drink Specials from 5PM to 7PM
- Beach Tote Giveaway
Weather: 83° and there is a small chance of showers moving through
Pitching:
IronPigs: RHP Gabe Mosser (1-1, 6.00)
The Parkland product and Shippensburg grad makes his third start for the ‘Pigs after starting eight games in Reading to begin the season. He pitched all season last year with the Triple-A Rangers.
Worcester: RHP Richard Fitts (0-0, 12.00)
Dick Fitts makes his second start of the season for Worcester as he returns from injury. He started 23 games for the Triple-A Red Sox last season including a home win, two home no-decisions, and a road loss to the IronPigs.
See you at the park,
@Kram207
Programming Note: We’ll be in Reading again tonight as they make their Baseballtown Hall of Fame inductions for 2025. Manager Dusty Wathan, RHP Trevor May (Baby Aces), and 1B Darrin Ruf are this year’s inductees.
Featured Image by Jack Mitroka.