ALLENTOWN, PA- The Buffalo Bisons used a bases clearing triple in the top of the ninth inning to help in their 6-3 victory over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs at Coca-Cola Park on Wednesday night.
The Herd led the entire game and were able to preserve the advantage thanks to stellar pitching from starter Paxton Schultz, as well as four different relievers.
Davis Schneider put the Herd ahead of the IronPigs in the top of the third inning thanks to a sacrifice fly. Nathan Lukes, who was on third, tagged up after the fly ball to left field and earned the first run of the game and 1-0 lead for Buffalo.
The IronPigs answered back later in the inning when Weston Wilson hit a hard ground ball to second baseman Tanner Morris. The ball deflected off of Morris’ glove into center field as Cal Stevenson hustled home. It was the lone run allowed by Schultz and evened the score 1-1 after three innings.
Buffalo reclaimed the lead soon after with another solo tally. Rafael Lantigua hit a soft ground ball to the shortstop, who attempted to turn a double play. The first out at second was successful for the IronPigs’ defense. However, Lantigua beat the throw to first and Morris was able to score from third base to improve the Bisons lead to 2-1 after the top of the fourth inning.
Schultz logged his best start of the season in the 5.2 innings he pitched. The righty allowed only four hits and one run. He also recorded six strikeouts in the victory.
Morris continued to earn the team’s trust as he reached base on a dropped third strike. IronPigs’ catcher Rafael Marchan hit Morris as he ran to first and the ball sailed into right field. The Buffalo baserunners prevailed in the confusion as Morris reached second and Luis De Los Santos crossed home. Buffalo extends their lead 3-1 after seven innings.
Mason McCoy attempted to put the game on ice in the top of the ninth inning on a bases clearing double. McCoy hit his first double with the Buffalo Bisons as he drove in De Los Santos, Morris, and Cam Eden. Catapulting the Herd into a 6-1 lead over the IronPigs heading to the bottom of the ninth.
Lehigh Valley attempted a late inning comeback as Kody Clemens doubled on a line drive to center. Scott Kingery and Jordan Qsar both scored on Clemens’ two-run double but the rally ended two batters later.
With tonight’s win, Buffalo now has sole possession of first in the International League second half standings. Andrew Bash will start for the Herd in what will be the second bullpen game for the team in the series against Lehigh Valley.
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