BUFFALO – The Buffalo Bisons were doubled up by the Norfolk Tides 6-3 on Tuesday night at Sahlen Field thanks to one big inning that was the difference in the game.
The Tides struck first with a run in the top of the second inning, opening up a 1-0 lead. Anthony Bemboom drove in Ryan McKenna with an RBI double that also advanced Lewin Díaz to third base. Norfolk tried to add to their lead on a Jackson Holliday fly ball to right field. Bemboom was thrown out by Addison Barger before Díaz could score, keeping the Bisons deficit to a run.
Barger would start Buffalo’s rally in the bottom of the second against Justin Armbruester. His bloop base hit was promptly followed by an Otto Lopez RBI triple. The throw from right field went out of play, allowing Lopez to also score on the play for a 2-1 Bisons lead.
Barger would extend the lead to 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth inning with his ninth home run of the season. The solo homer led off the frame for the Herd.
A solo home run by Josh Lester trimmed Buffalo’s lead to 3-2 in the top of the sixth. His 23rd homer of the season went to the opposite field to try and start a one out rally for Norfolk. However, Connor Norby delivered a two out grand slam in the inning to give Norfolk their second lead of the night, 6-3.
The Bisons used six total pitchers in the loss, including left hander Brandon Eisert. The 1.1 inning outing was Eisert’s 57th of the season to move him into a tie for the Bisons single-season modern era games pitched record. Fernando Cabrera and Rich Batchelor each made 57 appearances in their respective seasons.
Stevie Berman recorded a two-out base hit in the bottom of the ninth inning, but T.J. McFarland was able to get the final three outs of the night for the Norfolk victory.
The same two teams will meet on Wednesday night at 6:05 p.m. at Sahlen Field. Wes Parsons is scheduled to start for the Bisons in the game.
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