New IronPig, big swing: Rafael Lantigua makes his mark

Rafael Lantigua made a big impact on Saturday night at Coca-Cola Park.

In the bottom of the third inning, after the Columbus Clippers had taken an early lead, Lantigua made history with a two-run homer of his own.

It was his first home run of the year for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs and ever with the Phillies affiliate, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

Born on April 28, 1998, in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic, Lantigua’s journey to the Phillies affiliate has been short so far.

After being activated by the Toros del Este (Dominican Republic League) in November 2023, he briefly entered a free agency period in November 2024.

Lantigua signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies on December 27, 2024. That same day, his roster status changed, and he was officially assigned to Lehigh Valley (According to MILB.com).

Saturday’s game didn’t end the way the IronPigs had hoped.

Despite Lantigua’s spark at the plate, the team’s five-game winning streak was snapped, falling 8-5 to the Clippers in 10 innings.

The series between the IronPigs (18-8) and Clippers (13-11) wraps up on Sunday, April 27, with first pitch set for 1:35 p.m.

Ranger Suárez, on a major league rehab assignment, will start for the IronPigs.