IronPigs Score Seven Behind Smith, Pigs Win 7-1

ALLENTOWN, PA - The IronPigs used back-to-back multi-run innings to go ahead 7-0 over the Durham Bulls, and hung on to win 7-1 behind a strong pitching performance by veteran Greg Smith.

Lehigh Valley would take the lead by scoring three runs in the third inning, including an RBI-double by Phillies top-prospect 3B Maikel Franco.

Four more IronPigs would cross the plate in the fourth inning, with runs scoring in a variety of ways; a 2B Cesar Hernandez single made it 4-0, a wild pitch by Bulls starter RHP Alex Colome gave the Pigs a five-run advantage, OF Clete Thomas beating a throw home on a fielder's choice scored another, before DH Russ Canzler gave the pigs a 7-0 lead with a sacrifice fly.

The offensive output was more than enough for Lehigh Valley lefty Greg Smith, who scattered five hits over seven innings while striking out four Bulls. The only run scored came on a solo-shot by DH Wilson Betemit to lead-off the seventh inning. The win was the first for Smith since July 1, losing his last three decisions over five games started, after winning three consecutive starts.

Hernandez, Franco and Thomas each had multi-hit games to lead the IronPigs ten-hit attack; while Franco and Canzler combined for four of the five runs batted in in the game.

RHP Miguel Alfredo Gonzalez allowed one hit and no walks in his second career Triple-A outing, and RHP Luis Garcia hurled a perfect ninth frame to close out the Bulls and give the IronPigs their fifth win in six games.

Tuesday will be the season-series finale between these two teams, as RHP Jeff Manship is scheduled to pitch for Lehigh Valley against LHP Mike Montgomery, with a special start time of 11:35 a.m. for Camp Day at Coca-Cola Park. The IronPigs need a victory in Tuesday's morning game to salvage a split of the season series.