Davis makes bit of odd history
The IronPigs enjoyed a little history on Father’s Day.
Austin Davis, a left-handed reliever who spent time with the Phillies this season, became the first player in Lehigh Valley history to strike out four batters in one inning.
That’s not earth-shattering news but it was the highlight of Sunday’s 3-1 setback to Columbus.
The IronPigs dropped their fourth consecutive decision and their third straight to the sizzling Clippers, who blasted 12 home runs – including three on Sunday – in the forgettable three-game series. A Father Day’s crowd of 10,100 watched the finale at Coca-Cola Park.
Those fans who hung around until the eighth inning witnessed the history.
Davis struck out four Clippers in succession in the top of the frame, the first of his four victims reaching on a passed ball. His fourth punchout came on an 85 mph change-up. He totaled five strikeouts in his two scoreless innings.
Combined, Davis and Fernando Salas, who worked the seventh, pitched three hitless, scoreless innings of relief after the Pigs’ bullpen was bombed for eight runs in five innings during Saturday’s 9-1 loss. A positive step.
“I thought Salas threw the ball well and I thought Davis threw well,” IronPigs manager Gary Jones said. “Both guys did a nice job and they gave us a chance to come back and win. That’s all you can ask for.”
Bradley bombs: Columbus’ Bobby Bradley, a 23-year-old first baseman, showed why he’s the elite home-run hitter in the International League.
Bradley blasted two solo homers against IronPigs starter Enyel De Los Santos, both on off-speed pitches up in the strike zone. His impressive shot in the first inning almost left the stadium in straightaway right, as it deflected high off the St. Luke’s sign some 400-plus feet away from home plate.
He hit another to rightcenter field in the sixth inning.
“Pitches that were up in the zone,” Jones said. “He’s a big, strong kid. All he has to do is touch it. Ideally, you want to keep the ball down on him and hopefully he’ll hit a ground ball at someone.”
Bradley leads the IL with 22 homers. He has hit five home runs over the last five games.
Brandon Barnes, who launched two homers Saturday night, connected in the first off of De Los Santos for his third home run in two games. Columbus is No. 1 in the league with 74 homers in 36 road contests.
Other than the three home runs allowed, Jones thought De Los Santos was solid. The right-hander yielded six hits and a walk with six strikeouts.
“I thought he threw the ball well. He gave up those three solo home runs but otherwise I thought he threw the ball well,” Jones said. “He’s back on the right path.”
Offensive offense: The IronPigs were limited to six total hits vs. three Columbus pitchers.
Starter Michael Peoples, who was struggling entering Sunday, scattered five hits and a walk in his seven strong innings of work. Peoples struck out seven. Neil Ramirez and Argenis Angulo both threw a scoreless inning in relief.
Lehigh Valley’s only run came in the third when No. 9 hitter Malquin Canelo doubled to start the inning and Ali Castillo contributed a sacrifice fly.
“I thought overall we need to manage our at-bats better,” Jones said. “Take the base on balls when they’re there, not try to do too much at the plate. That’s the tendency of being a human. When things aren’t going your way you try to do more than you’re actually capable of.
“I think as an offense, we just need to do what we’re capable of and take what the pitcher is giving.”
Pig pointers: LHP Cole Irvin, as expected, was called up by the Phillies prior to Sunday’s game. Irvin was originally set to start Saturday night’s game for the IronPigs. … RHP Edgar Garcia and LHP Ranger Suarez were optioned to Lehigh Valley on Sunday. … RHP Jose Taveras was returned to Double-A Reading on Sunday. He allowed five hits and four runs in 1 2/3 innings in Saturday’s outing, his only appearance with the IronPigs.
OF Shane Robinson (hip) was activated from the injured list before Sunday’s game. He started in centerfield and finished 1-for-4.
On deck: The IronPigs are off on Monday, then open a threecity, eight-game road trip in Toledo on Tuesday night. RHP Drew Anderson (0-5, 6.00 ERA) is the scheduled starter. They play three games in Columbus and two in Syracuse.
They return to Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday, June 26.