Pigs even series with 10-inning victory

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The Lehigh Valley IronPigs clawed back from another ninth-inning deficit to take the second game of their series with Toledo 6-5 in 10 innings. The four-game series is now even at one game apiece, and the Pigs maintain their 5 1/2 game lead atop the IL North Division.

Lehigh Valley opened the scoring in the top of the first on a two-out single by Joey Meneses. Toledo Starter Matt Hall settled down from there in only his second career Triple-A start, eventually striking out ten IronPigs through six innings. Meneses collected another multi-hit day, going 3-for-5 with a pair of RBI singles and a double.

Ranger Suárez, in only his third career Triple-A start, danced around trouble throughout the evening. The 22-year-old kept Toledo off of the scoreboard through six innings while only needing 65 pitches in the quality start. The Pigs carried the shutout into the eighth inning when the Mud Hens tied the game with a walk, a hit-by-pitch, and a double against Héctor Neris, who eventually allowed two more runs in the frame as Toledo took the lead.

Trying to rally, the Pigs collected a pair of base hits to lead off the ninth inning, and quickly cut the deficit to one on a sac fly by Danny Espinosa. Down to their final out with a runner at second base, Dean Anna flared a single into center field to knot the game at three.

The Pigs worked again to open the tenth, with RBIs from Meneses, Ryan Goins, and Nick Rickles -- and they would need all three runs as Toledo pulled two back in the bottom of the 10th.

The Pigs and the Mud Hens continue their four game series tomorrow evening at Fifth Third Field in Toledo. Cole Irvin will take the bump for Lehigh Valley, as the left-hander tries to pick up his first win since June. First pitch comes at 7:05 p.m.

The IronPigs return home July 24 when they welcome the Gwinnett Stripers. That Tuesday evening contest will be Christmas in July at Coca-Cola Park with 1,500 kids receiving an IronPigs Elf on the Shelf presented by Lutron. Get to Coca-Cola Park for holiday music, Majestic Clubhouse Store discounts and visits from Santa and Mrs. Claus. Click here to get tickets.

The 2018 Season is the IronPigs' 11th season at Coca-Cola Park and 11th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. Fans can get closer to the team than ever before with a Bacon, USA membership -- a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous 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 the annual holiday party, and more. For more information, click here or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447).

The 2018 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.