By PAUL GOTHAM
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — While recent fortunes continued trending in the wrong direction on Thursday, Red Wing reliever Alan Busenitz offered the possibility of shifting momentum.
Entering in the seventh inning of 8-0 affair that didn’t even feel that close, the right-hander put the brakes on an Indianapolis Indian lineup which pounded out 13 hits in the first six innings.
“I don’t think it changes if it’s one run or no runs or a tie ball game,” he said. “You’re still trying to get everybody out.”
While it doesn’t go down as a “Big-boy save” (the term used by Wings pitching coach Stu Cliburn for a reliever who works the last three innings of a win), Buesnitz’s three scoreless innings were worthy of note.
“He’s been a guy that’s consistent all year,” Wings manager Joel Skinner said after his club dropped its third straight at home to Indianapolis. “His numbers show that.”
Busenitz faced the minimum getting a ground ball for a double play to erase the only hit he allowed. He threw 29 pitches (22 for strikes).
“My mindset is it’s the same every time. Gotta get them out. It still hurts me if I give up runs and hits and hurts the time.”
The appearance was the 13th this season for the Kennesaw State alum. He hurled four innings over four games with the parent Twins in April including getting a win in Puerto Rico when Minnesota played Cleveland.
A 25th round pick of the Los Angeles Angels in the 2013 draft, Busenitz has struck out 28 and walked five over 22 innings of work at the Triple-A level this season. He has allowed 15 hits and two runs (one earned) and opposing batters are hitting just .192 against him.
“Right now he’s got a good feel for what he wants to do,” Skinner added. “He makes quick adjustments. When you do that, you’re able to have the success he’s had.”
Wings hitters were 0-for-14 with runners in scoring position on Thursday. That added to their current slump which is 0-for-27.
Rochester (28-27) lost for the third time this season and fourth overall as the Plates. A fact that Skinner pointed out when he noted the need for him to enjoy the local delicacy.
“I’ll take the hit. I need to go get one. Then maybe we can change our Thursday outcome.”
The Wings welcome the Durham to Frontier Field for a three-game series. First pitch Friday if 7:05 PM.
The Wings next Thursday game when they return as the Plates will be against Syracuse on June 21st.
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