Phillies Prospect Watch: Rangel Pitches, Moore Homers

Phillies affiliates played just one game on Wednesday, Sept. 16 as the minor league season nears its end, with Triple-A Lehigh Valley (67-78) losing 5-4. The IronPigs plated a run in the first inning, right fielder Gabriel Rincones Jr. taking second on an error to lead off the game and coming home on a single from first baseman Keaton Anthony.

Starting pitcher Alan Rangel, a name to watch as the Phillies juggle their rotation in Jesús Luzardo’s absence, allowed four runs over the next two innings. While he struck out ten batters over five frames, Rangel also gave up the lead. Left fielder Colby Thomas led off the fifth with a walk, setting up a homer from shortstop Robert Moore that closed the gap to 4-3.

Center fielder Kameron Misner manufactured the tying run the following frame, drawing a walk and stealing second. Anthony doubled him home for the equalizer, but IronPigs’ reliever Michael Mercado promptly gave up the lead via a solo home run, and Lehigh Valley never recovered.

The IronPigs have four games left in their season; Double-A Reading has a chance to move on to the next round of the playoffs when they travel to face the Hartford Yard Goats at 6:30 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 17. The Fightin Phils obliterated Hartford 21-4 to open the series at home.