The ‘Pigs are in the midst of a three game series against division leading Scranton and it is not going well, after loses in their first two games including a 10-0 drubbing last night.  The series continues tonight with one more before Lehigh Valley returns home for a 6 game home stand against Indianapolis and Pawtucket.  Currently, the ‘Pigs are four games behind division leading Scranton, however they have solidified their wild card lead of 5.5 games over Rochester by winning 22 of 32 since the all star break.

‘Pigs Prospects: JP Crawford has been struggling with the stick as of late, hitting just .197 over that time period, and has been held without an extra base hit during that same time period.  Still with his excellent batting eye, Crawford has been on base during each of the last 9 games. For Lehigh Valley, Crawford is at .258/.348/.333 in 264AB with 3HR and 25RBI.  In my opinion, no reason at all to rush Crawford.

Nick Williams currently sits with his lowest batting average over the last 2 months and is in the midst of a 6-38 slump over the last 10 games.  On the year, WIlliams is at .277/.308/.455 in 411AB with 12HR 57RBI and 5SB.  He hit the 100 strike out last week.

Jesmuel Valentin has been struggling over the last month, both prior to, and since his callup from Reading. In his last 24 games, Valentin is hitting just .182, and is at .269/.340/.391 between Reading and Lehigh Valley this year.

Next Week: Lively, Knapp

News and Notes–Lehigh Valley has been shutout the fewest times in the IL(6)

–Over his last 6 IL starts, Anthony Vasquez is 2-0 with a 2.58 ERA and 5 quality starts.

–OF Cedric Hunter continues to play very well for Lehigh Valley and is hitting .326 over his last 13 games with 3HR and 12RBI

–Over his last 14 outings, RP Frank Herrmann has allowed just 1ER in 15.2IP, and has picked up 3 wins.

–The Lehigh Valley pitching staff ranks 2nd in the IL in ERA at 3.25, and over the last 2 months, the bullpen is a combined 13-5, with 20SV and a 1.93ERA.

–Cam Perkins has had multi hit games in three of his last 4 games,. including reaching base all 4 times on Tuesday. Over his last 26 games, Perkins is hitting .316.

–P Phil Klein recorded a career high 10 strikeouts in his start on Tuesday and struck out the last 7 hitters he faced.

–With his win over Rochester last Sunday, in which he gave up just a lone run in 6.1IP, Ben Lively became the first minor league pitcher to hit 14 wins this year.

–Overall, Phillies minor league clubs are 384-279 this year, good for 2nd best winning % in minor league baseball.

–Darin Ruf has been extremely solid for Lehigh Valley, hitting .298 with 13HR and 45RBI over his last 65 games.

–Over his last 9 games, RP Colt Murray has just a 1.54ERA and has struck out 12 in 11.2IP.

–INF Carlos ALonso announced his retirement and has taken a position on the WIlliamsport coaching staff Continue reading Lehigh Valley Report →