BY MIKE ROSE
It was another complete team effort as the Rochester Red Wings (7-2, 45-37) knocked off the Buffalo Bisons (3-5, 40-42) 3-1 in Buffalo on Wednesday.
The Red Wings jumped out to another early lead before holding off a rally from the Bisons. It was poor defense from the Bisons that got the scoring started in the second. Jackson Cluff reached on a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error. With runners on the corners and two outs, Erick Mejia hit one to Bisons’ second baseman Miguel Hiraldo whose throwing error scored Cluff.
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In the third, Carter Kieboom launched the first pitch he saw for a solo home run to make it a 2-0 lead for Rochester. The home run was Kieboom’s third of the season. The former National top prospect has racked up hits in eight of his last nine games and has driven in a run in his last five games.
Thad Ward got the start for Rochester and kept the Bisons off the scoreboard despite allowing six walks and three hits in 4.1 innings of work. Ward’s six walks tied his season-high which came last start against Indianapolis. He added four strikeouts on Wednesday.
The Red Wings’ 2-0 margin held until the seventh when they extended it to 3-0. Trey Lipscomb stepped up and hit his third long ball of the season and second for Rochester. Buffalo had its best chance to rally in the bottom half of the inning. Buffalo loaded the bases with one out and the heart of its order is due up. Adonis Medina stepped up and was able to retire Riley Tirotta on an RBI groundout which scored the Bisons’ first run. Medina followed by retiring Will Robertson on a fly ball to left which was snared by Mejia, ending Buffalo’s best chance to rally.
Rico Garcia eventually slammed the door for his 13th save of the season as Rochester continued its strong second-half play. The Red Wings recorded nine hits in the win including two-hit efforts from Lipscomb and Alex Call. With the win, Rochester remains atop the International League, in sole possession of first place at 7-2.
The Red Wings return home tomorrow as they host Buffalo for the series’ final three games. The first pitch from Innovative Field for the July 4 festivities is set for 6:45 p.m.
That was more of what I hope we see a lot of second half. Enough offense but more importantly, a well pitched 9 innings.
Result: Wings are 7-2. I never would have expected such a good start. Winning begets winning though, so maybe they will continue to ride the wave. 3 home games against Buffalo on deck. Expect good crowds.