IronPigs Edge PawSox 5-4

Pawtucket, RI - Cameron Rupp's two-run home run in the sixth completed a comeback from an early 3-0 deficit and the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs held on to defeat the Pawtucket Red Sox, 5-4, Sunday afternoon in front of 3,073 fans at McCoy Stadium to salvage a split in the season-opening four-game series. 

Rupp's blast came with one out in the sixth against reliever Tommy Layne (0-1) and snapped a 3-3 tie. It was his third long ball in as many games played in the series, and scored Reid Brignac who had tripled.

The PawSox scored a run in the eighth on Bryce Brentz' RBI groundout, but Lehigh Valley closer Luis Garcia closed the door in the ninth with a scoreless, hitless frame. Mike McCoy struck out looking to end the game with the tying run on first base.

Pawtucket scored three times in the second inning to open the scoring against Iron Pigs' starter Jonathan Pettibone (1-0). With one out Brandon Snyder doubled and was then brought home on Garin Cecchini's RBI single. Christian Vazquez' single moved Cecchini to third and Corey Brown's sac fly made the score 2-0.

With two outs, Pettibone then threw a wild pitch to move Vazquez to second and Heiker Meneses lined an RBI single that extended the margin to three runs.

Lehigh Valley struck back with a three-spot in the third against PawSox starter Jeremy Kehrt to tie the game. Clete Thomas' two-run double plated Leandro Castro (reached on two-base throwing error) and Tyler Henson (single), and Thomas later scored on Ronny Cedeno's groundout.

Kehrt went five innings and allowed three runs (two earned) on three hits while collecting four strikeouts. Pettibone also lasted five frames and gave up three earned runs on four total hits.

The Syracuse Chiefs next come to McCoy Stadium for a three-game series on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Monday's opener is scheduled for a 6:15 pm first pitch, with PawSox left-hander Chris Hernandez (NR) starting against righty Blake Treinen (NR). Limited tickets are available at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com. Radio coverage on 920 AM (WHJJ) and also streaming online begins at 6:00 pm.