Andrew Painter shines in second start, Justin Crawford goes yard, IronPigs become first team to 30-win mark

The Lehigh Valley IronPigs just keep winning. Andrew Painter got his first Triple-A win and Justin Crawford launched his first Triple-A bomb as the ‘Pigs stayed scorching hot Thursday night in Syracuse, beating the Mets 7-3 to extend their win streak to seven.

Lehigh Valley became the first team in all of professional baseball to hit the 30-win mark this season, now sitting at a gaudy 30-12. Not bad for a team that came into the year with the youngest rotation in the International League.

Andrew Painter, making just his second start since coming off the IL, went five strong for the first time since 2022. The kid gave up a two-run shot to Joey Meneses in the third but was otherwise solid, scattering five hits and two walks while striking out three.

Andrew Painter showing flashes of greatness…

Andrew Painter (@Phillies) changing speeds as he fans three for the Triple-A @IronPigs:
98.3 mph fastball
82.4 mph curveball
87.4 mph changeup pic.twitter.com/OiMqKWLBcb

— MLB Pipeline (@MLBPipeline) May 16, 2025

He needed just 71 pitches, 47 of them strikes, and most importantly, looked like the version of himself that had Philly fans drooling two years ago.

Andrew Painter’s night was done after a season high 71 pitches (47 strikes)

Andrew Painter's night is done after a season high 71 pitches (47 strikes)

His final line: 5 IP 2 ER 2 BB 3 K with the 2 runs coming on a Joey Meneses home run.

He once again ramped up his breaking ball usage, throwing his fastball (topped out at 98) a season low 39% pic.twitter.com/TPXtRMtTsj

— Phillie Phacts (@PhilliePhacts) May 16, 2025

Offensively, the ‘Pigs stayed patient early and then pounced. Buddy Kennedy stayed hot, smashing a solo shot in the third to break the ice. Cal Stevenson and Rodolfo Castro followed up with RBI swings of their own to give the ‘Pigs a 3-0 cushion.

Justin Crawford, still getting his feet wet at Triple-A, showed off his power with a missile to right in the fourth. It was his first Triple-A homer and it came at the perfect time, giving Lehigh Valley some breathing room after Meneses made it a 3-2 game.

Justin Crawford first AAA home run

Justin Crawford's first Triple-A roundtripper!@IronPigs | @Phillies | @PhilsPlayerDev | @MLBDevelops pic.twitter.com/XGeyT2NovD

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 15, 2025

After that, both bullpens kept things quiet until the ninth, when Payton Henry delivered the dagger. With two on and two out, Henry crushed a three-run shot to blow the game open and put a bow on the ‘Pigs’ seventh straight win.

Even a meaningless Mets run in the ninth couldn’t dampen the vibes. This team is locked in right now, winning close games, slugfests, you name it.

The series continues Friday night in Syracuse, with Mick Abel (5-2, 2.53 ERA) taking the mound for the ‘Pigs looking to keep the train rolling.

Phillies remain one of the few teams in baseball yet to call up a true rookie this season

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