Pigs Rally In Ninth, Defeat G-Braves 8-4

The Pigs (58-37) used a five-run ninth inning for an 8-4 comeback win over the Gwinnett Braves (47-46) Monday night at Coolray Field. 

Trailing 4-3, Pedro Florimón drilled a bases loaded two-run single to give the Pigs a 5-4 lead in the top of the ninth, scoring Dylan Cozens and Osmel Aguila. Herlis Rodriguez then dropped down a sacrifice bunt, scoring Andrew Pullin from third to up the Pigs lead to 6-4. With Scott Kingery batting, a wild pitch by Rhiner Cruz allowed Florimon to score to extend the lead to 7-4. The five-run frame was capped off by Kingery's RBI single plating Logan Moore to double up the G-Braves 8-4.
In a non-save situation, International League saves leader Pedro Beato came on to pitch a 1-2-3 ninth inning, striking out Micah Johnson to end the game and preserve the Pigs 8-4 comeback win.
A game that started as a pitcher's duel between Pigs starter Tom Eshelman and Gwinnett's Lucas Sims, saw both teams finally break through in the fourth inning.
Eshelman broke the tie as he helped himself with an RBI single to center field, scoring Florimon to give the Pigs a 1-0 advantage. After Kingery struck out swinging, the hot-hitting J.P. Crawford launched a two-run home run to right field giving the Pigs a 3-0 lead. For Crawford, it was his sixth home run in his last 44 at-bats and his eighth of the year.
Gwinnett would plate two in the bottom half of the frame, as Micah Johnson singled to Hoskins, whose throwing error allowed Matt Tuiasosopo and Sean Kazmar Jr. to score to trim the Pigs lead to 3-2.
Ronald Acuña Jr. gave the G-Braves a 4-3 lead in the bottom of the sixth, as he launched a two-run home run plating himself and Ozzie Albies.
Eshelman finished his night after the sixth inning, surrendering four runs (three earned) while striking out six batters.
The combined efforts of Pat Venditte and Michael Mariot kept the Braves scoreless, as the duo tossed two scoreless innings as Venditte allowed just one hit. Mariot would pick up his fifth win of the season as he struck out two batters in one 1/3 innings pitched.
Lucas Sims did not factor into the decision for the Braves, however, the right-hander kept the Pigs in check for the most part as he struck out 11 Pigs batters in his six innings of work.
The series continues with game two of the three-game series Tuesday against the Gwinnett Braves at Coolray Field. The Pigs will send right-hander Ben Lively (7-1, 2.17) and the G-Braves will send right-hander Matt Wisler (5-5, 3.72). 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.