Dropping the fifth game of the series on Saturday night put the Red Wings’ backs against the wall, meaning the club would be fighting for a series split on Sunday afternoon. Rochester failed to do so, dropping the final game of the series to Lehigh Valley, 10-1. With the win, the IronPigs (9-9) take the series, winning four of the six games at Coca-Cola Park.
Nationals’ top prospect Cade Cavalli started on the mound for the Red Wings (9-9), his third start of the season. Cavalli completed four innings on the bump, allowing four earned runs on three hits and two walks while posting one strikeout. The right-hander found himself in a jam in the bottom of the 5th, hitting the lead-off batter with a pitch, and walking the next two batters to load the bases with no outs. Rochester manager Matt LeCroy elected to let the ‘pen take over, and two runs scored, ultimately being credited to Cavalli.
The IronPigs did their damage with extra-base hits yet again, with two of their six total hits being doubles, both of which coming off of Cavalli through his four innings of work. Lehigh Valley totaled 20 extra-base hits throughout the series.
The Pigs tacked on more runs to their lead in the bottom of the 8th. Alberto Baldonado took over on the mound for Rochester and Lehigh Valley pounced on the left-hander scoring six runs on three hits and four walks.
It was ultimately the free passes that created trouble for the Red Wings on Sunday afternoon, with the club combining to allow eleven walks and hitting two batters.