Minor Leagues - Pigs Fly; (Reading) Phillies Fall

My Fellow Phans,

Both first round series have ended for our Iron Pigs and Reading Phillies. On those fronts, I have good news and bad news to report.

Let’s start with the good news:

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have advanced to the second round of the International League playoffs. The Pigs dispatched the Pawtucket Red Soxs swiftly sweeping them right out of the postseason (4-2, 3-2, 3-1).

Lehigh Valley’s pitching led the way as the trio of Dave Bush, Ryan Edell, and Brian Bass combined with a host of relievers posted an 1.28 ERA during the series allowing just 4 earned runs in 28 innings. They struck out 23 while walking just 7. Reliever Justin DeFratus posted a win and save while tossing 3 scoreless innings striking out 6 and walking none.

Offensively, outfielder Brandon Moss led the Iron Pigs with a crisp .417 batting average smashing 2 homers with 4 knocked in. Rich Thompson chipped in with an .333 clip and a pair of stolen bases.

With their victory, the Iron Pigs set their sights on their next opponent, The Columbus Clippers, The AAA affiliate of the Cleveland Indians.

Here is the schedule:

Game 1 @Columbus – Tuesday at 7:05.

Game 2 @Columbus – Wednesday at 7:05.

Game 3 @LHV – Thursday at 7:05.

Game 4 @LHV (If necessary) – Friday at 7:05.

Game 5 @LHV (If necessary) – Saturday at 1:05.

On a more disappointing note,

The Reading Phillies were ousted of the Eastern League playoffs in 5 games by the New Hampshire Fisher Cats.

The Phillies struggled to score runs in the series averaging just a single run per game. Power hitting first baseman, Matt Rizzotti finished a miserable 0-for-12.

"I think we put a little too much pressure on ourselves," manager Mark Parent said. "Every time we've gone south it's when we try to do too much. We went cold at the plate against some pitchers that we've done well against.”

Overall Parent considers the season a success.

"We were above .500 and we made it to the playoffs," Parent said. "The fans were great all season. Spectacular. We enjoyed it, and I think the fans enjoyed it.”

The Reading Phillies wrapped up a successful season and look to build on their strong season.

I would like to offer congrats to the manager Mark Parent and his Reading Phillies on a successful season and continued success in the future!

Until we meet again Phillies fans; Happy Readings and Go Phillies!