'Pigs Earn Split Behind Misch Monday Night
Misch (2-5), who hadn't won a game in over a month, got back in the win column allowing just one run on two hits in five innings as Lehigh Valley (21-16) completed their eight-game road trip at 4-4 after losing the first three.
The IronPigs used a three-run fourth inning to break open the game in support of Misch. Tied 1-1, four consecutive hits, including RBI knocks from Derrick Mitchell and Tug Hulett staked Lehigh Valley to a 4-1 lead.
John Suomi started the fourth with a leadoff single and also put the IronPigs on the board in the first inning with a two-out double to centerfield. Suomi finished the game 3-for-3 for his first three-hit game at the Triple-A level since July 3, 2008 with the IronPigs.
Chris Valaika's two-run home run off Brian Sanches in the seventh inning trimmed the IronPigs lead to 4-3. Joe Savery relieved Sanches and worked around a two-on, no out jam in the final frame to preserve the win and earn his second save of the season.
Louisville used a big fourth inning of their own in game one as the Bats took the first game 5-1 snapping the IronPigs three-game win streak.
IronPigs starter Austin Hyatt (2-4) cruised through the first three innings in game one facing the minimum before running into trouble in the fourth. A leadoff walk to Willie Harris ignited a five-run frame that saw Louisville send 10 batters to the plate. Bill Rhinehart delivered the big hit with a two-run double and Hyatt's counterpart Sean Gallagher finished off the frame with a two-out RBI single as Louisville took control 5-0.
Rich Thompson had the only IronPigs RBI with a beautiful drag bunt up the first base line in the fifth inning.
Gallagher (2-3) earned the win allowing just one run on seven hits in six innings.
After a long, overnight bus trip back to Allentown the IronPigs will open an eight-game homestand Tuesday night against the Indianapolis Indians at Coca-Cola Park. RHP Tyler Cloyd (3-0, 0.90) will get the start for Lehigh Valley opposite Indians southpaw Jeff Locke (3-2, 3.10). First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. from Coca-Cola Park.