STAFF REPORTS
The Rochester Red Wings defeated the Buffalo Bisons 6-3 Saturday night at Frontier Field. The win keeps the Wings’ lead over Lehigh Valley at two games for the IL wild card playoff spot. The series and homestand concludes Sunday at 1:35 p.m., with an appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine, a Knot Hole Kids’ Club game, and kids can run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game.
The Wings jumped out to an early lead against Buffalo starts Brett Oberholzer. RBI singles from J.B. Shuck, Leonardo Reginatto, and Levi Michael gave the Wings a 3-0 first inning lead.
Red Wings starter David Hurlbut retired the first seven batters he faced before allowing a double in the third inning. The Bisons picked up a run in the fourth after a triple and run-scoring groundout.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Wings took advantage of a pair of wild pitches by Oberholzer to increase their lead to 5-1. One wild pitch allowed Daniel Palka and Niko Goodrum to advance to second and third, and the other wild pitch actually allowed both runners to score – with Goodrum hustling home all the way from second base
Buffalo chased Hurlbut in the sixth inning after a two-out single was followed by a pair of walks, bringing in a run and making the score 5-2 with the bases loaded. Alex Wimmers relieved Hurlbut, and got a groundball out to end the rally bid.
Hurlbut pitched 5.3 innings and allowed seven hits, two earned runs, and two walks with three strikeouts. Hurlbut threw 85 pitches, 53 for strikes.
Oberholzter allowed nine hits and five earned runs, with two walks and three strikeouts. Oberholzer threw 88 pitches, 60 for strikes.
Buffalo moved one run closer in the seventh inning, as a triple and sacrifice fly made the score 5-3.
Jake Reed relieved Wimmers with one on and two out in the eighth inning, getting a groundball out to keep the score 5-3.
In the bottom of the eighth inning, The Wings boosted their lead. Reginatto led off with a double, moved to third on a bunt hit by Shuck, and scored on a single from Michael to make the score 6-3.
In the ninth inning, the Bisons put runners at first and second with no outs against Reed. A sacrifice bunt moved the runners to second and third, then a nifty double play turned by ByungHo Park ended the game.
