Former big leaguer Dave Bush threw a complete game, five hit shutout against the Louisville Bats Tuesday as the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs won a pitcher’s duel 2-0. Bush outdueled Bats starter Brett Tomko, who went a season high seven innings giving up one run on four hits.
Tomko (0-5) suffered once again from a lack of offense from the Bats. In his nine starts this season, the Bats have scored a total of 20 runs, including Monday’s shutout and five other games with 2 or fewer runs. Tomko threw his fifth quality start Monday, including his fourth in a row, and lowered his ERA to a beyond-stellar 3.18.
Bush, who stymied Bats hitters all day and finished with six strikeouts, improved to 4-3 on the season and now owns an ERA of 2.73.
The Bats had their chances to come through for Tomko but couldn’t find the clutch hit. They had a runner in scoring position in three of the first four innings but couldn’t scratch across a run.
Lehigh Valley didn’t waste time in putting a dent in the scoreboard. Kyle Hudson walked to lead off the first inning for the Iron Pigs and the next batter, Kevin Frandsen, doubled him home to give the Pigs a 1-0 lead—the only run they turned out to need.
The Pigs added an unearned run off of Wirfin Obispo in the eighth for the final run of the game.
Cody Puckett had two of the Bats’ five hits, including one of three doubles. Danny Dorn led off the second inning with a double but was stranded there.
After Puckett’s two-out double in the fourth, Bush retired 16 of the next 17 Bats hitters, including the final eight in order.
Louisville, who scored 22 runs in the first 23 innings of the series, failed to score in the final 17 innings. The Bats dropped to 15-32 on the season and haven’t won a series since April 13-16.
The Bats enjoy an off day Wednesday before hitting the road again Thrusday for the beginning of a four-game split series with the Indianapolis Indians. After games in Indy on Thursday and Friday, the Bats return home for the beginning of a ten game homestand that includes two games against the Indians, four against the Syracuse Cheifs, and four against the Durham Bulls.
Jeff Francis (2-5, 3.48 ERA) is set to take the mound against Indianapolis Thursday. He will be opposed by Rudy Owens (2-2, 2.50 ERA). First pitch is scheduled for 7:05.
