@IronPigs #CocaColaPark looks sooooo much better with @cody_smasche in leftfield! pic.twitter.com/KxkUfAInoG
— Amber Lynn (@philliesgirl121) May 12, 2015
Today was a big day for a few members of the Lehigh Valley IronPigs. Cody Asche made his debut for the IronPigs and was stellar at the plate. Maikel Franco continued to show that he is ready for the Phillies' Major League roster. And finally, congratulations are in order for a member of the Iron Pigs' pitching staff.
Cody Asche:
Asche reported to Lehigh Valley right away and with a good attitude. While Asche did have 72 hours to report, Asche took about 15 and made sure he was in the IronPigs starting lineup tonight. At the plate Asche made his impression felt.
In the field, Asche did not get too much action. Almost ironically, the first ball hit to Asche as a left fielder was off the bat of former Phillies infielder/outfielder Michael Martinez. The ball was a pop fly just behind shortstop Edgar Duran, which Asche handled just fine.
In five plate appearances, Asche reached base every time. Asche recorded two hits and three walks en route to the IronPigs' 6-5 walkoff win over Columbus. When the final run was driven in, Asche was the first to congratulate the teammate who is taking his third base job in Philadelphia: Maikel Franco.
Maikel Franco:
Franco continued to be hot for the IronPigs. Franco was 2 for 4 with three RBI, but the last two came at an opportune time. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Franco stepped to the plate with the bases loaded and the IronPigs trailing 5-4. Clippers closer Austin Adams was wild, and the bases were loaded with walks with one out for Franco.
Adams had to get a ball over the plate and Franco took full advantage. Franco swung and lined a ball over the head of center fielder Tyler Holt. Chase d'Arnaud (running for pinch-hitter Chris McGuiness) and Brian Bogusevic scored, to give the Phillies the victory.
Franco is now hitting .346 with four home runs and 22 RBI.
David Buchanan:
Buchanan started this evening's game against the Columbus Clippers and did a nice job, pitching six and two-thirds innings, allowing just three earned runs. But Buchanan had bigger news on Tuesday: he is going to be married. After this evening's game, Buchanan posted this on Instagram:
Congratulations, David!
