ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Luis Severino (7-0) struck out a career-high 10 men and did not allow an earned run as hisScranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders handled the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (Philadelphia Phillies) on Wednesday night, 9-4. SWB (57-48) evened the IronRail Series at 6-6, while Lehigh Valley (47-58) has lost back-to-back games for just the second time since June 28.
Severino became the first RailRider to reach double-digit strikeouts on the season and got it started by striking out the side in a perfect first. He already had a lead thanks to Ben Gamel’s leadoff home run in the top of the first. Austin Rominesingled home a second-inning run while Greg Bird pulled a two-run homer in the third for a 4-0 lead.
After three perfect innings, Severino allowed his lone hit to start the fourth, a single by IL All-Star Tyler Henson. An error later extended the frame while two wild pitches allowed a pair of unearned runs to score for the IronPigs.
Gamel singled in a fourth-inning tally and the duo of Romine and Cole Figueroa picked up RBIs in the sixth for a 7-2 advantage.
Severino started the seventh by hitting Aaron Altherr with a pitch before he got the hook. Another infield error combined with a groundball double play led to a third unearned run on the starter’s line as Branden Pinder allowed the inherited runner to score.
A third infield error by SWB meant another unearned run in the eighth, this time on Pinder. He was relieved by Jose Ramirez who entered to face Erik Kratz as the tying run, but struck him out to strand inherited men at the corners.
Gary Sanchez pummeled a two-out, two-run double to right-center to salt the lead in the ninth.
Lehigh Valley starter Sean O’Sullivan (0-1) allowed seven runs (six earned) over five-plus innings to shoulder the loss. Ramirez posted his team-best 10th save.
Right-hander Bryan Mitchell (5-5, 3.12) is scheduled to face right-hander Severino Gonzalez (1-5, 4.66) in the series and road trip finale at 7:05 p.m. on Thursday night.
The RailRiders return home to PNC Field for a short three-game run against the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Indians) starting on Friday night at 7:05 p.m. It will be Princess & Pirate Night presented by Dunmore Candy Kitchen with Friday Fireworks following the game thanks to Jack Williams Tire and Kumho Tire. For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.
You must be logged in to post a comment.