Box Score Recap (3/30/24)

Box Score Recap

The IronPigs fell behind early, rallied to tie late, and lost anyway when a AAAA reliever couldn’t pitch a clean inning.

Prior to the game, The Phillies sent Orion Kerkering to Lehigh Valley on a rehab assignment.

Lehigh Valley (1-1) lost to the Worcester Red Sox, 5-2.  

Kolby Allard got the start and began with a solo HR, single, and double before retiring a natter on a sacrifice fly.  He settled down and completed five innings allowing an additional hit, 2 walks, and struck out two.

Orion Kerkering made his first appearance and pitched one inning, allowing one hit, and striking out one batter.  He reportedly threw his fastball 96-98 mph.  He threw 14 pitches, 11 for strikes, 2 swinging strikes, both on his sweeper.

Michael Mercado chipped in with two scoreless innings.  He allowed a hit, a walk, and struck out three batters.  He threw his fastball 94-94 mph.

Austin Brice pitched the final inning and gave up 3 runs on 2 hits, 2 walks, and a strike out.  He threw his sinker 91-93 mph.  Brice blew 3 of 4 save opportunities in spring training with the Phillies.  I know some of you don’t put any stock in spring training, but here’s a 31-year-old AAAA pitcher who is taking a spot away from one of our guys.  Time to cut bait.

The IronPigs almost tallied a first-inning run when Kody Clemens led off with a double and Darick Hall lofted a soft single to center but were unable to capitalize.  The failed again in the second inning when they Simon Muzziotti doubled with one out and Matt Kroon reached on an error on a fielder’s choice.  The IronPigs collected two more base hits in the fifth inning but had two runners thrown out at the plate (Kroon and Jose Godoy).  A couple of walks accomplished nothing in the sixth.  They finally scored in the eighth on Jordan Luplow’s game tying 2-run double.

Clemens went 2-3 with a double and run scored.  Hall (1-2), Luplow (1-1), Muzziotti (1-4), Kroon (1-3), and Godoy (1-4) each chipped in a hit.

Gameday Link for Lehigh Valley.

 

11 thoughts on “Box Score Recap (3/30/24)”

  1. Reminder: These recaps are for minor league discussion. There is always a Phillies discussion open to discuss the Phillies accomplishments and failings. Thank you.

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    1. Jim, you are absolutely correct with cutting bait with AAAA pitchers that are taking spots from the young.

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  2. I have no great excitement about Brice but whose spot is he taking? also, Brogdon will be gone once Kerkering is ready for Philly so it’s another arm needed at AAA.

    Most of LV are AAAA players.

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    2. Christian Hernandez, Carlos Francisco, Tristan Garnett, Tommy McCollum, Andrew Baker, Andrew Schultz just to mention a few. Some merit the promotion, some have put in their Double-A time.

      While I would demote Brogdon when Kerkering is healthy, the Phillies may option Marte because of his option. They love the flexibility those options represent.

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          1. Yes…..I think it is time for him to change scenery and maybe recapture what he had a few years ago…if possible. And the half dozen relievers you mentioned above, soon need to have their opportunities.

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            1. What he really needs to recapture is 4 MPH on his fastball. Otherwise, he’s a AAA pitcher.

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