IronPigs Fall to PawSox on Heroes Night, 7-5

ALLENTOWN, PA - The IronPigs threatened in the ninth inning but fell short on Heroes Night, dropping the first of a four-game series with the current International League North Division leading Pawtucket Red Sox, 7-5.

After entering the final inning down three, the IronPigs brought the potential winning run to the plate twice in the form of two of their hottest hitters: SS Reid Brignac and C Koyie Hill, but were unable to complete the rally.

The two teams - who split a four-game series in Pawtucket to open the 2014 season - battled back-and-forth early in this game, with two lead changes and one tie in the first three innings. Both starting pitchers (RHP Jonathan Pettibone and RHP Brandon Workman) would settle down by the fourth inning and each turned in solid outings.

Pettibone - who has made two 2014 International League appearances, both against these PawSox - did not factor in the decision after allowing just two earned runs (three runs) on five hits and two walks while striking out three in six innings and leaving the game with a 4-3 lead.

LHP Cesar Jimenez was credited with the loss after giving up four runs - all earned - and recording only one out in relief of Pettibone. Saturday was the first relief appearance for the Venezuelan lefty since April, 16th, with his most recent appearance being a start at Scranton Wilkes-Barre on April 20th. Jimenez has now made five total appearances in 2014, including two starts; and despite the four run outing on Saturday, still owns a 3.75 ERA.

The IronPigs offense did reach double-digit hits for the third consecutive game on Saturday, and have accomplished the feat in five of their last eight games. C Koyie Hill had two of the team's ten hits, and has now hit in all ten games he has started this season. The native of Tulsa, OK is batting .366 on the season, tops for any IronPig.

Game two of this series will be played Sunday as RHP David Buchanan gets the nod from Manager Dave Brundage, and will be opposed by RHP Rubby De La Rosa, who boasts a 1.19 ERA in four starts this season, including five shutout innings of two-hit ball against the Pigs on April 5th. First pitch is set for 1:35, with the first 3,000 adults 18+ to arrive at Coca-Cola Park receiving a free Mickey Morandini t-shirt.