Down on the Phillies Pharm: Lively Goes 7 in Triple-A Debut

Here is a quick recap of what each of the Phillies minor league squads and some of their top prospects did last night as they work their way up to the big leagues.

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs lost 6-4 in extra innings to the Louisville Bats Friday evening.

After Mark Appel was placed on the disabled list with a shoulder strain, the Phillies called the 7-0 Ben Lively up to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. In his first start in Triple-A the Phillies #30th ranked prospect went seven innings giving up just two runs on five hits. He struck out five while walking two on 99 pitches.

The bullpen failed Lively Friday, allowing four runs off eight hits in four innings of relief. Michael Mariot allowed two runs in the 11th inning, thus receiving his first loss of the year as he works back from injury.

J.P. Crawford was 0-4 with a walk and a run scored. He has struggled since being promoted to Lehigh Valley, but the hits will come for the 21-year-old.

Cody Asche made his first rehab start Friday, going 1-5 with a double and a run scored. He is expected to return to the Phillies in the near future.

Darin Ruf hit his fifth home run of the year in Triple-A, his third in the last two games.

Nick Williams struck out four times to go with his single and stolen base. The outfielder acquired in the Cole Hamels trade will have to adjust his plate discipline before he gets a chance in Philadelphia.

Andrew Knapp was 0-5 as he has struggled in recent games at and behind the plate. He did pickoff two runners at second, which is something he has been working on.

James Russell (1-0) will get the start in place of the injured Alec Asher.

Next: Reading