David Buchanan Delivers Second Straight Quality Start as ‘Pigs Downed in Extras by Knights

Allentown, Pennsylvania (April 28, 2024) – Nick Podkul drilled the first pinch-hit homer for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (11-13) since 2021 to tie the game in the eighth inning, but the Charlotte Knights (12-14) ultimately prevailed in 10 innings by a final of 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at Coca-Cola Park.

The IronPigs got on the board first in the second. Cal Stevenson singled, stole second and moved to third on a groundout. Jordan Luplow then legged out an infield single to drive him in.

Charlotte tied the game back up immediately in the top of the fourth as Chuckie Robinson drilled a solo homer, his third of the season.

With two outs in the fifth, Brett Phillips doubled and then scored on a Wynton Bernard RBI single. Bernard then scored himself on a Colson Montgomery RBI double.

Simon Muzziotti belted his second homer of the year, a solo shot, in the bottom of the fifth to bring the ‘Pigs back to within one, at 3-2.

Podkul’s fateful moment came with one out in the eighth. His pinch-hit solo homer, his first of the year, was the first pinch-hit homer for the ‘Pigs since Ryan Cordell hit one on May 23, 2021 against Syracuse.

The game stayed tied until the 10^th. Charlotte plated three in the top half as Chuckie Robinson, Zach DeLoach, and Angelo Castellano each had RBI singles.

The ‘Pigs loaded the bases in the bottom of the 10^th, but ultimately left the winning run at the plate, falling 6-3.

Justin Anderson (1-1) got the win for the Knights, allowing a run in 1.2 innings on one hit, striking out one.

Tyler McKay (0-1) took the loss for the ‘Pigs, allowing three runs (two earned) in one inning on three hits and two walks, striking out two.

Aaron McGarity (S, 1) picked up the save for Charlotte with a scoreless 10^th, working around a walk and hit batter with two strikeouts.

Although he didn’t factor into the decision, David Buchanan was solid again, going at least seven innings for a second straight start and allowing just three runs on six hits and a walk, striking out five.

Following an off-day on Monday, the ‘Pigs begin a six-game road series against the Worcester Red Sox at Polar Park. First pitch on Tuesday is slated for 6:05 p.m.

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The IronPigs are presented by Capital Blue Cross.

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