Weekend Series Recap

Friday Night Grit: Red Wings Bounce Back Behind Champlain’s Dominance

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings returned to the win column Friday night, edging the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3-2 in a crisp, fast-paced contest completed in just two hours and eight minutes — the quickest game Rochester has played all season.

After a scoreless opening inning, Trey Lipscomb sparked the offense in the second with a solo home run, his seventh of the season, giving the Red Wings an early 1-0 advantage.

Lehigh Valley answered in the fourth when Llover Peguero ripped an RBI double into the outfield gap to tie the game at one. The IronPigs carried that momentum into the fifth inning as Sergio Alcántara lifted a sacrifice fly to center, pushing Lehigh ahead 2-1.

But Rochester responded immediately.

Abimelec Ortiz ignited the rally with a double before Andrew Pinckney delivered a clutch RBI single. Moments later, Rochester reclaimed the lead for good as another run crossed to make it 3-2.

The IronPigs threatened in the eighth inning, but Rochester’s defense stood tall, ending the rally with a key groundout to second base to preserve the lead.

Starting pitcher Chandler Champlain delivered another impressive outing, continuing his strong run of form and earning his fourth consecutive victory. With Rochester’s bullpen taxed from the previous two games, Champlain provided exactly what the club needed — length, efficiency, and composure.

“We needed six, and he gave us seven,” manager Matthew LeCroy said. “I’m really proud of all the guys and the effort they gave. We were a little light on pitching, and he gave us a great performance. He’s got confidence, a really good mix of pitches, and was able to put the ball where it needed to be today.”

Champlain credited both his defense and offseason work for his resurgence this year.

“It’s been a great start so far,” Champlain said. “I have to give props to my defense and how stellar they’ve played behind me. It’s been an all-around team effort, not just me, and it’s been fun.”

The right-hander also reflected on rediscovering his identity after a difficult 2024 season.

“This offseason was huge for me,” he said. “Last year was rough because I felt like I lost my identity. I found it again knowing I’m the guy that’s supposed to eat innings — five, six, seven innings. I don’t care about hits, walks, or strikeouts. My job is to put up zeros and let the bullpen close it out.”

With the victory, Rochester improved to three wins in the first four games of the series and positioned itself to secure the series on Saturday night.

First pitch for Game 5 was scheduled for 6:45 p.m., followed by a postgame fireworks show.

Chaparro Powers Rochester to Series Victory in Saturday Shutout

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — Andrés Chaparro delivered another huge night at the plate Saturday evening, driving in four runs to lead the Rochester Red Wings to a commanding 5-0 shutout victory over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and clinch the series win.

Chaparro provided the game’s biggest swing in the sixth inning, launching a towering three-run homer that erased any remaining doubt and put Rochester firmly in control.

With his performance, Chaparro joined Dylan Crews, Yohandy Morales, and Andrew Pinckney as the fourth Red Wing to eclipse the 20-RBI mark this season.

While the offense produced timely hits, Rochester’s pitching and defense once again stole the spotlight.

Starter Riley Cornelio was outstanding, tossing six scoreless innings while striking out seven batters and limiting Lehigh Valley to just four hits overall. Even though the IronPigs drew five walks, Rochester consistently escaped trouble and stranded nine Lehigh runners on base.

The Red Wings struck first in the opening inning when Chaparro lined an RBI double to put Rochester ahead 1-0.

From there, the game settled into a tense pitcher’s duel. Neither team scored again until the bottom of the sixth when Chaparro crushed his three-run blast to extend the lead to 4-0.

Andrew Pinckney later added an RBI groundout to provide the final margin.

Manager Matthew LeCroy praised the team’s chemistry and defensive consistency after Rochester secured its fourth victory in five games against Lehigh Valley.

“I’m really happy. Guys are playing well and starting to play together as a group,” LeCroy said. “Our defense continues to play really well, and we made some nice plays tonight. A lot of good things are happening. We’ve got to keep grinding. I’m proud of the staff and the guys for how we’ve been playing.”

Christian Franklin continued his recent hot streak with a three-hit performance from the leadoff spot. Following the game, he credited adjustments made with the coaching staff for his turnaround at the plate.

“It started in Syracuse, just being able to get my timing,” Franklin said. “We had a player-plan meeting with the coaches and came up with some drills and different bats to use so I could put the ball in the air more, do some damage, and be more consistent.”

Franklin also explained why setting the tone atop the lineup is something he embraces.

“It’s something I take a lot of pride in,” Franklin said. “I like hitting leadoff. I like getting on base for my guys. It sets the tone for the team, and I really enjoy it.”

The win guaranteed Rochester the series victory and marked the team’s second shutout over Lehigh Valley this season.

The Red Wings entered Sunday’s finale looking to complete a third consecutive win and continue their dominant stretch against the IronPigs.

Red Wings Complete Dominant Weekend Sweep Despite Injury Scare

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings capped off a dominant weekend Sunday afternoon, shutting out the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 3-0 to secure five wins in six games during the series and record back-to-back shutouts.

But the victory came with concern.

Rochester lost two starters to injuries during the game, including starting pitcher Luis Parra and infielder Levi Jordan.

Parra exited after being struck in the forearm by a 108 mph line drive. Despite the pain, the right-hander still managed to throw out the batter at first base before collapsing to the ground. Trainers rushed to the mound and helped him off the field.

Later in the game, Jordan suffered an apparent lower-body injury after fielding a routine ground ball. As the ball slipped through his hands, Jordan awkwardly went down and remained on the field while the crowd fell silent. Though he eventually walked off under his own power, he did not return.

Manager Matthew LeCroy did not provide a detailed update on either player after the game but indicated Jordan’s injury appeared to involve the groin.

Even amid the injuries, Rochester’s strong play continued.

Andrés Chaparro stayed red hot offensively, driving in two more runs with an RBI single and RBI double. Over the final two games of the series, Chaparro totaled six RBIs.

Andrew Pinckney added another RBI, while Rochester’s pitching staff continued to dominate Lehigh Valley’s lineup.

The IronPigs scored just 19 runs across the six-game series, with eight of those runs coming in a single game. Rochester, meanwhile, plated 30 runs and continued to showcase one of the league’s top defensive units.

The Red Wings’ surge also pushed them into first place in the division.

“I’m really proud of the guys and how we played this week,” LeCroy said. “Outside of the injuries happening, this was a good day. I just want us to carry this momentum into Worcester this upcoming week.”

With the series complete, the first-place Red Wings now head out on the road looking to build on their momentum before returning home on Memorial Day. First pitch for their next home game is scheduled for 4:05 p.m.