Nola pitches four innings, Cozens blasts walk-off homer for Ironpigs

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Photo: Steven Kiebach/SportsTalkPhilly

 

By Brandon Apter, Sports Talk Philly editor

The Phillies' Triple-A affiliate in Allentown has been hot as of late and they kept rolling on Wednesday night, earning a 2-1 win over Buffalo, their fifth straight to improve their record to 19-13 on the year and put themselves in a tie for first in the International League North.

Aaron Nola got the start for Lehigh Valley and he tossed four innings of one-run ball, scattering four hits while striking out three. He'll likely make one more start for the Ironpigs before returning to the Phillies. Nola, 23, hit the disabled list following a start on April 20 against the Mets. He allowed four runs in five innings during the Phils' 6-4 at Citi Field. After going on the DL, Nola was making strides towards a return, but suffered a setback. He went to get an MRI on his back, and luckily the results came back positive. Matt Klentak told reporters prior to Friday's game in Washington that there was nothing concerning that showed up on the MRI. In three starts so far this season, Nola has yet to get in a groove, posting a 4.50 in 16 innings. 

Lehigh Valley won the game in 11 innings, thanks to a mammoth home run from Phillies outfield prospect Dylan Cozens in the bottom of the 11th inning. Although his average is only .196, he's slashing .355/.417/.645 in May with a double, triple, two home runs, seven runs scored, six strikeouts and three walks. His 21 RBIs are fourth best in the International League. Check out his shot from Wednesday night, sending the Ironpigs to victory.

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