Lehigh Valley IronPigs

On September 5, the IronPigs split a doubleheader against the Toledo Mud Hens, rebounding from a lopsided loss in the resumed suspended game with a thrilling 8–7 walk-off win in the nightcap. In the resumed game, Lehigh Valley fell 16–3, surrendering three home runs to Eduardo Valencia and eight RBIs. Gabe Mosser (3-5, 5.91) allowed five runs over five-plus innings, while the bullpen was unable to contain Toledo’s late surge.

In the regularly scheduled game, Lehigh Valley showed resilience. Brewer Hicklen launched a three-run homer in the second inning, his second of the day and 15th of the season. Christian Arroyo and Payton Henry added RBI singles in the third and fifth innings, respectively. Rodolfo Castro and Paul McIntosh hit back-to-back solo homers in the eighth to tie the game at 7–7. Castro later delivered the game-winning sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, marking the IronPigs’ 11th walk-off win of the season.

Pitching was a mixed bag. Starter Alan Rangel kept Toledo in check early, but the bullpen had to navigate high-leverage situations. Lucas Sims (4-1, 6.52) earned the win with a scoreless 10th, escaping a jam with a runner on third and no outs.

Reading Fightin Phils

Reading dropped a tightly contested game to Hartford, 7–6, despite strong performances on both sides of the ball. Kehden Hettiger recorded his first Double-A hit and RBI in the second inning, scoring Bryson Ware, who had doubled and advanced on a wild pitch. Felix Reyes added his 57th RBI of the season in the third, and Leandro Pineda tied the game in the seventh with his ninth home run of the year.

Griff McGarry was dominant on the mound, tossing five shutout innings with eight strikeouts and only two hits allowed. However, the bullpen faltered. Eiberson Castellano allowed a two-run homer to Roc Riggio and committed a balk that led to a run. Tommy McCollum gave up three more runs in the seventh, including RBI doubles by Nic Kent and Jared Thomas.

Reading rallied in the eighth with a Reyes triple, a Dylan Campbell RBI double, and a bases-loaded walk by Pineda, but fell short in the ninth. Despite the loss, the offense showed depth and clutch hitting, while McGarry’s outing was a bright spot in an otherwise frustrating night.

Jersey Shore BlueClaws

Jersey Shore continued their hot streak with a 3–1 win over Brooklyn, marking their fifth consecutive victory. Aroon Escobar led the charge with a solo home run in the first inning, his fourth with the BlueClaws and 15th overall this season. Devin Saltiban added an RBI single in the third, and Trent Farquhar drew a bases-loaded walk in the fifth to pad the lead.

Starter Luke Gabrysh delivered a solid outing, allowing just one run over five innings. The bullpen was stellar, with Erubiel Armenta, Wesley Moore, Erik Ritchie, and Danny Wilkinson combining for three scoreless frames. Saul Teran closed the door in the ninth for his 11th save, the most by any BlueClaws pitcher since their High-A affiliation began.

The BlueClaws’ pitching staff allowed only one run and scattered a handful of hits, showcasing their depth and ability to execute in tight games. Escobar’s early blast set the tone, and the team’s ability to manufacture runs and hold the lead was key to the win.

Clearwater Threshers

Clearwater’s scheduled game against the Tampa Tarpons on September 5 was cancelled. No makeup date has been announced. The cancellation came one day after the Threshers clinched a playoff berth with a 7–3 win against Tampa. The rainout was especially disappointing since the Phillies first round pick, Gage Wood, was slated to make his professional debut with the Threshers. Clearwater is set to host Lakeland in the first game of the Division Series next Tuesday.

Home runs hit on Friday September 5 (season total in parenthesis):

  • Lehigh Valley – Rodolfo Castro (19), Brewer Hicklen 2(15), Paul McIntosh (2)
  • Reading – Leandro Pineda (9)
  • Jersey Shore – Aroon Escobar (15)
  • Clearwater – rain out