Late Home Run pushes Pigs past Chiefs

Syracuse, NY (May 18, 2018) - The Syracuse Chiefs dropped the series-opening game against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 2-1, on Friday night at NBT Bank Stadium. Chiefs starting pitcher Erick Fedde threw a season-high six and two-thirds innings and did not allow an earned run. Fedde allowed four hits and two walks while striking out six batters. 

Lehigh Valley (21-17) scored the game-deciding run in the top of the ninth inning. With the game tied, 1-1, there were two outs and no one on base. Joey Meneses hammered a Christopher Smith pitch over the left-center-field wall for a home run that put the IronPigs in front, 2-1.

Syracuse (19-19) struck first in the bottom of the fourth inning with one swing of the bat. Tuffy Gosewisch crushed a ball over the left-field wall for a home run that gave the Chiefs a 1-0 lead. The homer was the first of the season for Gosewisch.

The IronPigs tied the game in the top of the sixth. With one out, Dean Anna singled. Collin Cowgill then reached on an error that put runners on first and second base. Danny Ortiz followed with a bloop hit to left-center field, scoring Anna to knot the game, 1-1.

The Chiefs and IronPigs continue their three-game series on Saturday afternoon. RHP Edwin Jackson will be on the mound for Syracuse, while LHP Cole Irvin will pitch for Lehigh Valley. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.