Offensive Onslaught: Spence Spins Gem Behind 18-Run Win

BOX SCORE | SWB 18, LHV 2

(Moosic, PA - July 6) - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre brought the bats in an 18-2 victory over Lehigh Valley. Five home runs powered the RailRiders to their most runs in a single game this season. Every player reached base successfully at least once led by Brandon Lockridge reaching all five opportunities. Mitch Spence tossed a gem in the longest outing of his career.

Seven from Spence. 😤

7.1 IP // 6 H // 2 R // 2 ER // 2 BB // 7 K // 4.45 ERA #EverythingMajor #RepBX pic.twitter.com/DldoASgIpO

— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) July 7, 2023

The IronPigs took an early lead with Weston Wilson’s solo home run in the first inning.

But in the fourth inning, the bats came alive for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre. Three consecutive walks from Andres Chaparro, Carlos Narvaez, and Franchy Cordero loaded the bases. Jamie Westbrook grounded back to the pitcher, who made a throwing error on a play at the plate. Chaparro and Narvaez took advantage coming across for a 2-1 lead. The very next pitch went wild to the backstop and Cordero raced home.

441 ft. to left from Jesús Bastidas 💯#EverythingMajor #RepBX pic.twitter.com/t4HH8sZw4l

— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) July 7, 2023

The frame continued with a 441 foot two-run shot off the bat of Jesus Bastidasfor a 5-1 game. Lockridge smoked a double up the left field line and Estevan Florialfollowed with a homer of his own. This was Florial’s team-high 21st long ball and a 7-1 SWB lead.

FLO FIESTA 🎉

It's a 402 ft. two-run blast from Estevan Florial for his 21st homer of the season! #EverythingMajor #RepBX pic.twitter.com/xfYwoZs8g5

— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) July 7, 2023

The offense continued in the next frame for the RailRiders. Cordero smacked a single and Westbrook followed with a double to put two in scoring position. Bastidas was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Lockridge delivered on a line drive up with middle to plate two runs. Florial’s groundout sent one more home for a 10-1 score in favor of the RailRiders.

Ben Rortvedt led off the sixth with a home run into the bullpen down the left field line.

In the seventh, the IronPigs started to chip away. Rafael Marchan singled to reach and Esteban Quiroz doubled to send him home. It was 11-2 SWB.

Again Rortvedt took the ball the opposite way in the eighth inning for his second homer of the contest. Chaparro drew a walk and Narvaez singled to reach. Cordero smoked one deep to right field for a three-run blast for the team’s 15th score. Westbrook and Lockridge walked and Oswald Peraza’s single loaded the bases once again. Rortvedt smacked his second hit of the contest driving in a run, while an error scored another. Chaparro recorded an RBI single that made it 18-2.

BEN BLAST x2

Ben Rortvedt goes deep for the SECOND time tonight, the fourth homer for SWB this contest! 🤯#EverythingMajor #RepBX pic.twitter.com/ot1lMF2QmS

— SWB RailRiders (@swbrailriders) July 7, 2023

Drew Hutchison (L, 2-4) pitched three innings allowing six runs, five earned. He allowed four hits and four walks while striking out four. Jesus Cruz tossed a frame letting up one run. Jace Vines gave up four runs in his two innings. Ben Bowden tossed a clean frame. The IronPigs had two position players pitch: Esteban Quiroz and Jim Haley.

Mitch Spence (W, 7-4) impressed with 7.2 innings on 104 pitches, both the most of his career. He allowed just two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out seven. Blas Castano finished off the eighth and ninth scoreless.

The RailRiders and IronPigs are scheduled for a 6:35 PM start on Friday night.