STAFF REPORTS
news@allwnynews.com
ROCHESTER — The Syracuse Chiefs used a ninth inning run to edge the Rochester Red Wings 3-2 Friday afternoon, in the home opener at Frontier Field.
The Wings took the early lead against Chiefs starter Jacob Turner. Tommy Field scored in the bottom of the first inning, after an opposite field single by Kennys Vargas.
The Chiefs scored two runs in the top of the third, on RBI hits by Rafael Bautista and Brian Goodwin.
The Wings tied the scored off Turner in the bottom of the fifth. John Ryan Murphy and J.B. Shuck opened with back-to-back singles, and Murphy scored on a sacrifice fly by Field that made it a 2-2 game.
Red Wings starting pitcher Nick Tepesch settled down after the third inning. He retired the next 12 batters, including 15 out 16.
Turner pitched five innings, allowing nine hits and two earned runs. Turner struck out five without out issuing a walk, and threw 74 pitches – 49 for strikes.
Tepesch worked 8.0 innings and allowed seven hits, two earned runs, and a walk while striking out eight. He threw 96 pitches, 71 for strikes.
With Drew Rucinski on in relief of Tepesch to start the ninth inning, the Chiefs went ahead 3-2 on an RBI double from Corban Joseph. After a walk loaded the bases, D.J. Baxendale took over and got a pair of outs to end the rally.
Former Twins closer Joe Nathan worked the ninth inning for the Chiefs, pitching a scoreless inning and recording his first save of the season.
A sun-bathed crowd of 11,343 enjoyed the game and pre-game ceremonies. With a game time temperature of 59°, General Manager Dan Mason’s “50 Degree Guarantee” was fulfilled.
