Garrett Stubbs bunted in a run in the first inning of Friday night’s game against the Worcester Red Sox.
The catcher then bunted again in a tie game in the ninth. The ball was thrown away, which allowed pinch runner Rodolfo Castro to score to give the IronPigs a 5-4 victory in front of 7,759 fans on a cool, damp Friday night at Coca-Cola Park.
Buddy Kennedy led off with a first-pitch double down the left-field line for Lehigh Valley (25-12). Castro replaced him. Stubbs then bunted a 1-1 pitch back to Worcester relief pitcher Wyatt Mills, who threw it away to allow Castro to come home for the team’s second walk-off victory of the season.
Justin Crawford had three hits, including a bunt single. Otto Kemp singled, walked, scored a run and was hit by a pitch for the ninth time this season for Lehigh Valley.
The IronPigs are 13-6 at home this season and stay alone in first place in the International League.
How they scored
Bottom 1: Justin Crawford and Otto Kemp singled to start the inning. Gabriel Rincones walked to load the bases. Garrett Stubbs’ one-out bunt single scored Crawford. Oscar Mercado’s bases-loaded walk scored Kemp. IronPigs 2-0.
Bottom 5: Crawford bunted for a hit to lead off, took second on an errant pickoff throw, stole third and scored on Buddy Kennedy’s infield single. IronPigs 3-0.
Top 6: Marcelo Mayer walked against Rangel. IronPigs reliever Austin Schulfer walked Nate Eaton and Yasmani Grandal with two outs, then gave up Nathan Hickey’s fourth home run of the season, Worcester’s second grand slam of the series. WooSox 4-3.
Bottom 6: Mercado and Cal Stevenson walked to start the inning. Mercado was caught stealing, with Stevenson taking second. Erick Brito’s single scored Stevenson. Tied 4-4.
Bottom 9: Buddy Kennedy led off with a double and was run for by Rodolfo Castro. Stubbs’ sacrifice bunt was thrown away, allowing Castro to score. IronPigs 5-4.
Up next
RHP Mick Abel (4-2, 2.75 ERA) faces Worcester RHP Robert Stock (2-1, 2.83) in a 6:35 p.m. start at Coca-Cola Park. Abel has a 2.10 ERA and .200 batting average against in his last six starts.
Morning Call senior writer Tom Housenick can be reached at thousenick@mcall.com
Source: Berkshire mont