Red Wings’ slump continues as comeback falls short in Scranton, 9-7

BY DAN GLICKMAN

Down 9-0 after two innings, the Rochester Red Wings scored seven unanswered runs but ultimately fell short Tuesday at the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 9-7, for their fourth straight loss.

All nine runs for Scranton came in the second inning, as the RailRiders put up six hits and drove off starting pitcher Tyler Stuart as they batted around to go ahead 9-0.

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Rochester (68-57 overall, 30-22 in the second half, four games back of Columbus for the International League lead) began its comeback in the fifth, as second baseman Trey Lipscomb led off with a line drive single only to be driven in on the next play when first baseman Joey Meneses hit his sixth AAA home run of the year to make it 9-2. Shortstop Jack Dunn added another two later in the inning with a two-run shot of his own, driving a 1-1 changeup 358 feet to left-center field to cut Scranton’s lead to 9-4.

Designated hitter Carter Kieboom further narrowed the score in the top of the sixth, doubling in Brady House and then coming in to score on a Lipscomb double and a Scranton error. Meneses brought home Lipscomb soon after with a single to make it a two-run game, 9-7.

The Wings were unable to notch another hit after that, however, although they did get the tying run to the plate in the top of ninth when Jake Alu drew a walk with two outs. A close play at first got Jack Dunn, though, ending the game.

Lipscomb and Meneses each went 2-for-4 for the night at the plate, while AAA newcomer Andrew Pinckney played center and went 2-for-4 in his Wings debut. Carlos Romero threw three scoreless innings of relief for Rochester, allowing two hits and a walk.

Rochester and Scranton continue their series on Wednesday at 6:35 P.M., with the Wings set to send lefty Andrew Alvarez (4-3, 4.26 ERA) against Scranton right-hander Yoendrys Gomez (2-4, 3.97 ERA). The winner of the game will hold the top spot in the IL East for the second half, as Scranton’s 29-22 second-half record puts them just a half game back of Rochester.