Pigs Look To Split Series With Knights

The IronPigs (69-51) and Charlotte Knights (48-71) conclude their four-game series Sunday afternoon. First pitch from Coca-Cola Park is scheduled for 1:35 p.m.  

The Pigs will send LHP Brandon Leibrandt (4-1, 3.14) against the Knights who will send RHP Tyler Danish (3-12, 5.27). Today's starting pitching matchup is presented by Allentown Family Foot Care, which provides the latest in medical and surgical treatments of the entire foot and ankle. Learn more at affc.com.
LHP Brandon Leibrandt makes his ninth start with the Pigs this season. After not factoring into the decision in his previous three decision, the southpaw suffered his first taste of defeat in Triple-A in his last start on August 8 against Norfolk. The Alpharetta, GA native surrendered seven runs on 10 hits over six innings.
RHP Tyler Danish makes his 21^st start and 22^nd overall appearance this season. He has lost his last three decision, including his last on August 8 against Pawtucket. The Brandon, FL native tossed four innings, allowing eight runs (six earned) on 10 hits.
Herlis Rodriguez  hit a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning, and the IronPigs (69-51) picked up a 4-2 victory over the Charlotte Knights (48-71) Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park before 9,689 fans.
With two outs in the bottom of the seventh and a 3-2 lead, Rodriguez drilled a 394 foot home run to right field to give the Pigs a 4-2 advantage. For Rodriguez, it was his second home run of the season for the Pigs, and his first at Coca-Cola Park.
Pigs starter Jake Thompson  pitched out of a bases loaded one out situation in the top of the second inning. After surrendering back-to-back singles by Rymer Liriano  and Danny Hayes , Thompson struck out D.J. Peterson  before issuing a walk to Jacob May .
Thompson then got Jason Bougerois to pop up to first baseman Brock Stassi , and Eddy Alvarez  bounced out to Stassi to end the threat.
Thompson was spotted a 3-0 lead in the bottom of the third inning, as four-consecutive singles lead to 2-0 lead as J.P. Crawford  singled homeNick Rickles  and Herlis Rodriguez. Crawford then came around to score himself as Pedro Florimón  sent a sacrifice fly to deep left field, giving the Pigs and Thompson a 3-0 lead.
The right-hander continued on through the night, getting out of trouble in the third and fifth innings before surrendering his lone run in the top of the sixth as he picked up his fifth win of the year.
After sending a double to left-center field, Rymer Liriano scored on a fielder's choice by Jacob May to make it a 3-1 Pigs lead.
Pat Venditte  came on to replace Thompson in the seventh inning, and surrendered just a run as Liriano singled home Jake Peter  to trim the Pigs lead to 3-2.
Yacksel Ríos  then closed out the game, tossing the final two innings while yielding just one hit while striking out a pair to pick up his first Triple-A save.
 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.