Strong pitching leads Red Wings past IronPigs in series opener

ROCHESTER — A strong start on the mound paired with timely hitting helped the Red Wings secure a 3-0 win over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs on Tuesday night at ESL Ballpark.

Rochester took an early lead in the first inning. Christian Franklin scored the game’s opening run when Yohandy Morales hit an RBI single through the left side against IronPigs starter Chuck King.

Morales continued to contribute in the third inning. Dylan Crews reached base on a fielders choice and scored when Morales doubled to left, giving the Red Wings a 2-0 lead.

The Red Wings added an insurance run in the sixth. Crews again set the table and scored on a sacrifice bunt by Robert Hassell III.

That was more than enough for Rochester. Starter Luis Perales fired five no-hit innings, walking four and striking out three to earn his first win of the season while lowering his ERA to 3.82. The bullpen trio of Shawn Dubin, Seth Shuman and Eddy Yean protected the combined shutout, with Yean working the final 1 2/3 innings for his sixth save. Lehigh Valley managed just four hits on the night and finished 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position.

King took the loss for the IronPigs despite a solid line of five innings, three hits, two runs, two walks and four strikeouts. Morales led the Rochester offense, going 3-for-4 with two doubles and two RBI, while Crews scored twice and Franklin added a hit and scored a run. The Red Wings turned two double plays behind their pitching.

The win lifts Rochester to 21-19, while Lehigh Valley slips to 19–21. 

Information gathered from milb.com.

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This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Rochester Red Wings shut out IronPigs behind Luis Perales