It’s Football Day in the Lehigh Valley. IronPigs look to get a series-win today against the formerly-in-first-place RailRiders.
About Last Night
Adonis Medina dodged trouble and kept the RailRiders off balance, and Ryan Cusick was able to pitch his way out of trouble when it looked like the whole game was going to come crashing down. Ultimately, the ‘Pigs walked away with a well-played 3-0 win to tie the series this week and set up a rubber match on Sunday. Lantigua gets the flowers (snorkel?) for the decisive home run.
The pitchers’ battle and the gorgeous evening in a sold out park? This was one of my favorite games of this season thus far. Just a glorious evening. It didn’t hurt that I had a driver for the night.
So How Are They Doing
Overall, the IronPigs are having a good season at 65-47. They have a +55 run-differential and are 33-22 at home. Attendance has been robust at 429,00+ and counting.
The IronPigs squandered an opportunity to win the first-half championship, and host a playoff series. In the second half they have been playing exactly average baseball and sit at 19-19.
Outlook: Over the next couple weeks they should continue to benefit from their rehab players and their net-gain from the trade deadline (Rojas) as well as a modicum of stability. But the starting rotation has been upended a bit and September first they’ll likely lose one of their leaders, C Garrett Stubbs, as well as a good pitcher for expanded roster call-ups.
Roster Moves
No roster moves yesterday.
We did hear that 1B Keaton Anthony‘s injury is a hamstring and that he is not expected to be out long–then again, ask Christian Arroyo how those go–he’s currently rehabbing with Clearwater and has been lifted late in the games the last couple days. No word on why OF Cal Stevenson left Friday night’s game, but he has said that he is fine.
We’re expecting 3B Alec Bohm to be activated before today’s game, on rehab assignment.
Most recent printable roster: 080825 LHV Roster
Justin Crawford Watch: We are likely suspending the watch soon. He played well yesterday in Left Field. Both he and Rojas in Center Field tracked down fly balls to the gaps which looked dangerous from above. Crawford did make a poor throw to third base which could have nabbed a guy, but was three feet wide.
Aaron Nola Update: He is still with the team, and scheduled to start on Tuesday–although around here we think that the location might change.
David Robertson Update: He is expected to be activated by the Phillies today in Texas as they go for the sweep. An option of Alan Rangel is the expected corresponding move, but we await the actual and official.
Jose Alvarado Update: He should remain with the IronPigs until he is eligible to be activated to the Phillies on 8/19. We’re expecting him to get an inning today in relief of Andrew Painter.
Johan Rojas Update: He was optioned and is an IronPig until/if the Phillies need an outfielder. We wouldn’t be surprised to see him get the day off today. Stubbs too.
Game Day!
Wear your football gear and your ‘Philly-Philly’ cap for it’s football day at the old ballpark.
Game Time: 1:35PM
Gates: Main: 12:15PM – Club: 12:00PM
Tickets: A selection of field level, pic nic patio and lawn seats are still available, but are expected to continue selling fast up until game time given the nice weather.
Weather: 82° and full sun at game time. Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are in order.
Promotions:
- Salute To Football
- Cap Giveaway (Adults)
- Pre-Game Football Parade
- Post-Game Kids Run Bases
Pitching and Matchup:
It’s a rematch of Tuesday’s game: RHP Andrew Painter goes for the IronPigs and tries to correct his poor control from Tuesday night. RHP Brendan Beck, second round pick out of Stanford, goes for the RailRiders and hopes to continue to stymie the ‘Pigs bats. IronPigs often have a wonky lineup for Sunday games, so be on the lookout for that.
Up Next
The IronPigs shuffle up to Buffalo for a standard series with the Bisons (AAA-TOR). Wednesday and Sunday are 1:05PM starts.
Reading returns home from two weeks on the road in Hartford and New Hampshire to face the Akron RubberDucks. Featured promotions are Tuesday replica jersey night, and four straight fireworks nights culminating in Harley Davidson Night on Saturday, always one of the featured games of the season in Baseballtown.
What To Watch: Watch to see which players–if any–have their rehabs transferred to Reading for this week to avoid travel to Buffalo and the ability to stay near Philadelphia and closer to Washington DC where the Phillies will be starting on Thursday. However, it would be a bit unfair to ask Double-A hitters to face Aaron Nola and Jose Alvarado.
See you at the park(s),
@Kram207
Featured Image by Cheryl Pursell. It has been cropped to fit the space.