BY DAN GLICKMAN
ROCHESTER, N.Y. – The Rochester Red Wings celebrated the Fourth of July at Innovative Field by providing their own fireworks on Thursday, hitting three home runs and recording 11 hits overall as they beat the Buffalo Bisons, 11-2.
The Wings (46-37 overall, International League-leading 8-2 in the second half) fell behind early thanks to a two-run top of the first for Buffalo (40-44 overall, 3-7 in second half), including a solo shot by Bisons’ shortstop Gabriel Cancel. They answered back in the bottom of the second, however, as Drew Millas and Jackson Cluff hit back-to-back two-out singles before Alex Call golfed a Paolo Espino curveball low to left. The ball wasn’t hit particularly hard, with a 95.4 exit velocity, but it carried, angling over the left field for Call’s 10th home run of the season, a go-ahead shot to make it 3-2.
The Red Wings added another run by long ball an inning later, as Carter Kieboom got around on a 1-1 cutter to lead off the third for his fourth home run of the season, extending the lead to 4-2.
VIEW MORE PHOTOS FROM JOE TERRITO.
Rochester hit its third and final home run in the fifth, when Travis Blankenhorn drew a leadoff walk against Buffalo reliever Luis Quinones before Trey Lipscomb jumped on a cutter the very first pitch he saw and smacked it over the left-center field wall for his third AAA home run of the season to give the Wings the 6-1 lead. A five-run eighth completely blew the game open as Rochester pulled ahead to the final 11-2 score.
On the mound, right-hander Spenser Watkins (6-3) recovered from the two-run first to go five innings, allowing four hits while striking out seven. All four hits came in the first inning, indeed, all four hits came before he had even recorded his first out. From that point on, Bisons reached against Watkins only by drawing one of two walks. Joe La Sorsa (two innings), Amos Willingham (one inning), and Orlando Ribalta (one inning) combined to complete the rest of the game, with Ribalta finishing the contest by striking out the side in the top of the ninth.
At the plate, Lipscomb led the Wings, going 3-for-4 and finishing a triple short of the cycle while notching a walk and two RBI. Millas had a 2-for-4 night with a walk, while left-fielder Stone Garrett went 2-for-3 with two walks and an RBI. Darren Baker had a hit and stole his 27th base, tied for second in the league.
The Red Wings, winners of three straight, continue their series with Buffalo on Friday night at 6:45 P.M. Right-hander Jackson Rutledge (4-5, 6.82 ERA) is scheduled to take the mound for Rochester against Buffalo righty Aaron Sanchez (2-5, 10.55 ERA). It will be Military Appreciation Night at the ballpark and there will be several additional promotions including post-game fireworks, a Meet & Pet with Bruce the Bat Dog, and appearances by the ZOOperstars. Gates open at 5:30 P.M.
Last two games Wings have received great hitting AND pitching. Whether this 8-2 surprise start is sustainable remains to be seen but it is most welcome and as we always say winning is ALWAYS more fun.
Nice crowd of over 10K last night.
Carry on guys. Lets try for another 5-1 series win!