BUFFALO – The Buffalo Bisons used a four-run bottom of the third inning, thanks to a two-out grand slam, to defeat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs 6-3 on Sunday afternoon at Sahlen Field. It was Buffalo’s second straight win against the IronPigs, helping the team split the series.
Following a scoreless first two innings, the Herd took advantage of the IronPigs in the bottom of the third. Their two-out rally began with a Cameron Eden single to right, quickly followed by Nathan Lukes successfully bunting to third. Rafael Lantigua then walked, as the Bisons found themselves with bases loaded.
On the first swing of his second at-bat of the game, Damiano Palmegiani launched a grand slam ball over the left field wall, scoring Eden, Lukes, and Lantigua, giving Buffalo a 4-0 lead to cap off a five-hit inning.
Lehigh Valley wouldn’t take long to get on the board however, as a Darick Hall groundout to first in the fourth inning would allow Kody Clemens to score, cutting the Bisons lead, 4-1.
Starter Andrew Bash had a solid afternoon of work for the Herd. Backed by a strong defense, Bash threw four strikeouts and allowed only one run across five innings pitched.
The IronPigs opened the sixth inning with a triple, courtesy of Clemens. Weston Wilson then drove in Clemens with a line drive double to left field, minimizing the lead to 4-2. Lehigh Valley didn’t quit their though, as Dustin Peterson also doubled to left, scoring Wilson and inching them closer to Buffalo, 4-3.
With a close game, Rafael Lantigua looked to close it out, as he doubled to left field. Leo Jiminez and Lukes put on the jets to score, as the Bisons furthered their lead, 6-3.
The Bisons bullpen, consisting of Yosver Zulueta, Connor Cooke, Nate Pearson, and Rowan Wick combined for a strong four innings of relief. The four relievers worked together striking out three, and allowed only two runs in the process.
In the end, Buffalo was able to hang on to defeat the IronPigs, 6-3. The Herd will travel to Moosic, PA to begin a six-game series at PNC Field versus the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Tuesday. The Bisons will remain in third place in the International League second half standings with the win, as well.
Next up:
