Sanchez Launches RailRiders Past IronPigs

Allentown, Pa. - The Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (Triple-A/New York Yankees) wrapped up a two-game sweep of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs with a 3-2 triumph on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Park. The RailRiders (59-48) handed the IronPigs (47-59) their first series loss since June 26-28.

Starter Chaz Hebert (1-0) earned the win in his Triple-A debut with SWB by limiting Lehigh Valley to a run on four hits over five innings. The southpaw walked one and struck out four. The IronPigs went with a spot-starter in Cesar Jimenez (2-5). The left-hander allowed three runs on five hits over three frames of work. Johnny Barbato closed out the last of the ninth with a perfect inning for his second save.

Gary Sanchez provided all the offense the RailRiders would need. The backstop opened the scoring with a long, two-run home run to left in the second. Aaron Judge came around on Sanchez' second Triple-A round-tripper for a 2-0 lead. Sanchez made it 3-0 in the third by scoring Rob Refsnyder on a double off the base of the wall in left.

The IronPigs got a run in the fourth when Erik Kratz scored from second on a throwing error. A double by Tyler Henson plated K.C. Serna in the seventh, cutting the lead to the final margin.

The RailRiders return home Friday, July 28, to host the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Indians) for Princess and Pirate Night. The first of three is set for a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at PNC Field. Right-hander Kyle Davies (7-6, 3.81) is scheduled to start opposite right-hander Jarret Grube (4-0, 3.30). For more information please call (570) 969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.

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