The Lehigh Valley IronPigs defeated the Charlotte Knights 11-4. They took an early lead with a strong offensive performance, scoring eight runs in the first two innings. Justin Crawford had a standout game, going 3-for-3 with a double, two singles, a stolen base, and three RBIs before being replaced due to apparent discomfort. Christian Arroyo contributed with two singles and three RBIs. Gabe Mosser earned his first win of the season, pitching five innings and allowing four runs while striking out six. Charlotte’s Colson Montgomery hit two home runs in the loss.
The Reading Fightin Phils secured a 4-1 victory over the Harrisburg Senators. Cade Fergus hit a two-run home run in the third inning, followed by a solo shot from Leandro Pineda in the fourth. Mitch Neunborn pitched four scoreless innings, allowing just one hit. Gunner Mayer continued the strong pitching performance, giving up only two hits over two innings. Harrisburg managed to score in the eighth, but Reading held on for the win.
The Jersey Shore BlueClaws fell to the Bowling Green Hot Rods 7-3. Bowling Green took control with a four-run third inning and added three more in the sixth. Jersey Shore managed to score in the third and ninth innings but couldn’t mount a comeback. The loss was credited to Alex McFarlane, who allowed four runs over three innings.
The Clearwater Threshers split a doubleheader against the Bradenton Marauders. In game one, Clearwater lost 9-1, struggling to generate offense while Bradenton built an early lead. Kodey Shojinaga hit a solo home run for Clearwater’s only run. In game two, Clearwater bounced back with a 5-4 win, fueled by home runs from Eduardo Tait and Carter Mathison in the first inning. Raider Tello also contributed with a stolen base and a run scored. Jose Peña Jr. earned the win with a strong relief performance.
Players who hit home runs on Thursday and their season totals (in parenthesis): Reading – Cade Fergus (5), Leandro Pineda (4); Jersey Shore – Eduardo Lopez (5), Bryson Ware (7); Clearwater – Kodey Shojinaga (1), Eduardo Tait (9), Carter Mathison (7)
