Alfaro's Homer Not Enough, Pigs Fall 4-2

The IronPigs (43-23) fell 4-2, and dropped the three-game series with the Buffalo Bisons (34-30) Thursday night at Coca-Cola Field.

Lehigh Valley jumped out to an early 2-0 lead in the first inning on a two-run home run to center field, scoring Brock Stassi.
Sporting a two-run lead, Pigs starter Jake Thompson pitched a perfect first and second inning before running into trouble in the third.
The Bisons got to Thompson in the third as Jake Elmore sent a line drive up the middle that Thompson got a glove on, but it trickled into the outfield for a leadoff single for the Bisons. Shane Optiz then moved over Elmore on a sacrifice bunt, before Christian Lopes singled to center to move Elmore to third. After Ian Parmley popped out, Gregorio Petit then hit a go-ahead three-run home run to left to give the Bisons a 3-2 advantage.
Petit then plated another run in the bottom of the fifth as he sent a sacrifice fly to left, scoring Opitz who doubled to lead off the frame to give Buffalo a 4-2 lead.
The Pigs bats accounted for just four hits, with their last hit of the night coming on a Brock Stassi single with one out in the third inning. Dylan Cozens and many other Pigs hit the ball hard, but unfortunately right at the defense of the Bisons.
After surrendering the two-run first inning, Bisons starter Cesar Valdez worked into a grove and struck out 10 batters in seven innings. He picked up his third win of the season for the Bisons while surrendering just four hits.
The Pigs return home for a brief three-game homestand with the Syracuse Chiefs beginning Friday night at Coca-Cola Park. The Pigs will send right-hander César Ramos (4-1, 2.56) and the Chiefs will send right-hander Austin Voth (1-7, 6.16). Fans will enjoy Friday Night Fireworks themed to the music of the Dave Matthews Band, and it is also Scout Night. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
The 2017 Season is the IronPigs 10^th Anniversary season at Coca-Cola Park and 10^th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The IronPigs are debuting the brand-new Bacon, USA, Membership Program this season -- a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous new amenities such as savings on parking at games and at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park, on-field VIP access to watch batting practice, access to an annual holiday party, an invitation to an exclusive player and coaches photo session and more. For more information, visit ironpigsbaseball.com or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447). Memberships and group outings are on sale now.
The 2017 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.