IronPigs bounce back and beat Buffalo behind newcomer’s 5 RBIs

IronPigs starting pitcher Tyler Phillips returns in 2024 with a new mindset to go along with his new arsenal. (Photo courtesy of Cheryl Pursell/Special to The Morning Call)

Ruben Cardenas made a memorable IronPigs debut on Saturday night.

The 26-year-old outfielder had six runs including two home runs, a double and a walk in Lehigh Valley’s 8-3 win over Buffalo in front of a sold-out crowd of 10,100 at Coca-Cola Park.

Cardenas, acquired by the Phillies on Thursday from the Rays for cash, hit a bloop double in his first at-bat to score Scott Kingery.

The Los Angeles native then hit a three-run homer in the second and a solo shot in the seventh. He then walked with the bases loaded in the eighth. He finished one of the franchise records for RBIs in a game (done three times).

Cardenas hit 11 homers and drove in 28 for Triple-A Durham before being traded.

Tyler Phillips (6-3) struck out nine in a season-high seven innings to earn the victory. It was the ninth time this season in 12 starts that the right-hander worked at least six innings.

Lehigh Valley (27-33) has won four of the first five games in the series with Buffalo (31-31).

How they scored

Top 1: Steward Berroa homered on the first pitch of the game. It was his sixth home run of the season. Bison 1-0.

Bottom 1: Scott Kingery singled, stole second, took third on Buffalo catcher Brian Serven’s throwing error and scored on Ruben Cardenas’ bloop double to short right field. Tied 1-1.

Bottom 2: Nick Podkul walked to lead off and scored on Jim Haley’s second homer of the year. Trevor Schwecke singled with one out and took second on a two-out walk by Jordan Luplow. Cardenas then hit a breaking ball against the wall in left that left the glove of Buffalo outfielder Addison Barger and went through the wall for a three-run homer. It was Cardenas’ first home run with Lehigh Valley, 12th overall this year. The first 11 came with Durham. Iron Pigs 6-1.

Top 6: Barger singled to lead off and took second later on Orelvis Martinez’s single. Both runners advanced on a grounder. Barger scored on a wild pitch. After Brian Serven walked, Martinez scored on a wild pitch. Iron Pigs 6-3.

Down 7: Cardenas homered on the first pitch for his 13th of the year, 2nd of the game. Iron Pigs 7-3.

last 8: Haley singled, took second later on Schwecke’s single. Kingery walked to load the bases. Cardenas walked with two outs to score Haley. Schwecke scored on a defensive error. Iron Pigs 9-3.

Rehabilitation

Phillies outfielder Brandon Marsh and IronPigs outfielder Matt Kroon ran out for the IronPigs practice squad before Saturday’s game.

Marsh was placed on the 10-day IL on June 3 due to a right hamstring strain.

Kroon was placed on 7-day IL on June 1 due to a leg injury. He said Friday he was steadily improving.

Roster moves

OF Cade Fergus was sent to Double-A Reading. He was 0 for 2 with a sacrifice bunt in his only game

INF Buddy Kennedy, acquired Friday from the Tigers for cash, will report Tuesday for the start of a six-game series at Syracuse. The 25-year-old from Millville, New Jersey, was designated for assignment by Detroit on June 3 after slashing .234/.331/.383 (.714 OPS) with 12 doubles, three homers and 14 runs scored produced in 141 at bats. for Triple-A Toledo.

Following

RHP Mick Abel (1-5, 6.26) vs. Buffalo RHP Andrew Bash (1-0, 4.40) in a 1:35 p.m. start at Coca-Cola Park in the series finale. Abel last pitched on May 31 in Columbus, allowing three runs on five hits (two homers) and four walks in four innings.

Morning Call reporter Tom Housenick can be reached at 610-820-6651 or [email protected]