1st Annual @IronPigs Outing - Autographs! Corn! Fun! #Bacon

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #18

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-10

2016 Topps Pro Debut #109

2016 Choice Lehigh Valley IronPigs #21

Braves 2, Phillies 0
Game 136 - Sunday Afternoon, September 4th in Philadelphia
Record - 60-76, 4th place, 19 games behind the Nationals

One Sentence Summary:  Jake Thompson turned in his second straight solid start, but the anemic Phillies offense continued their struggles in this 2-0 loss to the Braves.

What It Means:  The Phillies head to Miami to try to snap a six-game losing streak.

What Happened:  Thompson allowed four hits and one run in his seven innings of work.  He also struck out six.  The offense managed five hits off Julio Teheran and three Braves relievers, going 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position.

2016 Topps Phillies #PP-7

Featured Cards/Field Report:  Late Sunday afternoon, we made the two-hour trek to Allentown for our sons' first visit to Coca-Cola Park, home of the Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs.  It had been at least six (or seven?) seasons since Jenna and I last visited this ballpark, and we've already made plans to make this part of our annual summer schedule along with taking in a Lakewood BlueClaws game.

We got there right as the gates opened and both Doug and Ben positioned themselves along the third base line by the IronPigs' dugout where they patiently waited for almost an hour for the players to emerge.  The first player to sign a card from their IronPigs team sets was catcher Logan Moore, who was heading to the bullpen to warm up the starting pitcher, Phil Klein.

The days' starters emerged about 25 minutes before game time to get in their pre-game stretching and then one by one (with the exception of a few) they headed over to the stands to sign autographs.  Cam Perkins and Darnell Sweeney were both very accommodating with their time.  Doug specifically called over top prospect Nick Williams for an autograph and told him he was there to see him play. Cody Asche was the most impressive however, signing every last autograph request right up until the start of the National Anthem.

Unfortunately, the IronPigs lost the game 5-4.  Klein pitched very well, but Jimmy Cordero, making his Triple-A debut, allowed four runs to the Rochester Red Wings in the eighth inning.  Perkins, Sweeney and Asche all enjoyed multi-hit games, while Williams went hitless in four at-bats.  On a more important note, Jenna and I can officially recommend the Aw Shucks corn, the BBQ turkey sandwich, the walking taco and beer in an IronPigs mason jar.  We'll be back next year!

Asche signs for the IronPigs fans

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