The Buffalo Bisons had the tying run in scoring position in the final two innings of Wednesday afternoon’s contest at Coca-Cola Field but couldn’t convert as they were topped, 5-4, by the Norfolk Tides.
Down 5-2 in the eighth, Darrel Ceciliani led off the inning with his second single of the game and moved up a bag as Domonic Brown walked. David Adams knocked a ball just inside the track in right field for an RBI double to bring the Herd within two.
Brown then scored on some heads-up base running, as a passed ball went off of the home plate umpire and scooted about 15 feet away to the first-base side of the plate. Adams moved to third on the play but was stranded as the next two batters grounded out.
Dalton Pompey led off the ninth and stole second base, putting the tying run in scoring position once more. However, Jason Stoffel struck out three consecutive batters to secure the series for the Tides.
“We battled back. We had opportunities but just couldn’t cash in,” said manager Gary Allenson.
“The difference in the game today was our bats, they just went silent.”
Pompey finished with three hits and an RBI on the day. Now 11-for-21 in his last five games, the outfielder has boosted his average to .297 this season.
“I guess it all started when we had the 20-hit game, I was just trying to use my hands. I felt like I was using too much body,” said the 23-year old.
“I’ve been using my hands a bit better and I’ve been trusting myself a bit more.”
Chris Leroux lasted 5.2 innings before three consecutive base hits chased him from the hill. The rangy righty gave up a run in the first and again in the second, before settling in to sit down the next 14 Norfolk batters that came his way. All three hits surrender by Leroux in the sixth came around to score, leaving Buffalo’s starting with five earned runs next to his name.
Leroux’s final run crossed home with Matt Dermody on the mound. In his third Triple-A appearance, Dermody hurled 1.1 innings of his own, allowing two hits.
Danny Barnes continued his impressive run with the Bisons. The 26-year-old righty struck out the side in the eighth inning, lowering his ERA to 0.71 over eight appearances for the Herd.
“The one thing that impresses me about him is that a lot of guys come up and don’t trust their stuff – they’re not sure if they can compete at this level. He has the same stoic look on his face whether there’s nobody on base or the bases are loaded,” noted Allenson.
“It seems like nothing bothers him. He’s obviously put himself on the map.”
Dustin Antolin hurled a scoreless ninth to keep the Norfolk lead at 5-4.
Tides’ starter Tyler Wilson also gave up a run in each of the first two innings before being lifted with a runner on and two out in the fourth.
Andy Oliver took over for Wilson and kept the lid on the Herd’s offense for three full innings, striking out a pair while limiting Buffalo to one hit. The scoreless-effort was enough for Oliver to earn his first win of the year.
BISONS NOTES:
Dalton Pompey has scored at least once in each of his last five games…Danny Barnes has struck out 15 batters in 12.2 innings while up with Buffalo…The Bisons finish their season series with the Tides at 2-4 and fall to 23-25 at home…Blue Jays’ outfielder Jose Bautista is scheduled to make a rehab appearance with the Herd on Friday.
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