IronPigs Take Series-Opener in Pawtucket

PAWTUCKET, RI - The Lehigh Valley IronPigs beat the Pawtucket Red Sox for the ninth time this season, winning 4-3 Friday night at McCoy Stadium behind two RBIs from Cody Asche and a combined five-hitter from the pitching staff.

In a game delayed 49 minutes because of rain, the IronPigs (53-54) rallied from a three-run deficit to beat the PawSox for the ninth time in 11 tries this season. Right-hander B.J. Rosenberg tossed 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief while the 'Pigs scored a pair of runs in inning number eight to take the lead for good.

Trailing 3-2 entering the eighth frame Lehigh Valley tied the game when Cody Overbeck doubled to right field to score Leandro Castro. Josh Fields then stepped up and roped a single through the right side, scoring Overbeck to propel the IronPigs to a 4-3 lead. Rosenberg (3-6) then tossed a scoreless eighth, picking up his first win since June 8, before giving way to Mauricio Robles who closed the door in the ninth with a 1-2-3 inning for save number four on the season.

Pawtucket (57-49) took the lead in the second frame when Alex Hassan doubled and later scored on an error. In the third Hassan struck again as he launched a two-run dinger to left field to put the home side ahead 3-0.

In the fifth frame Asche brought the IronPigs to within a run, as with two away and the bases loaded he singled to center field, scoring Cameron Rupp and Tyson Gillies who had singled and walked, respectively.

Righty Chris Martin (2-3) took the loss for Pawtucket, allowing a pair of runs on three hits in two innings. Neither starter factored in to the decision, as Greg Smith surrendered three runs (two earned) in 6 1/3 innings on four hits for the 'Pigs, while Allen Webster allowed two runs on three hits in six frames.

Southpaw Adam Morgan (1-5, 4.73) makes the start for Lehigh Valley against fellow lefty Chris Hernandez (3-7, 5.42) Saturday in game two of the four-game series. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m. from McCoy Stadium.