Red Wings continue to improve in 3-1 win over Buffalo

BY MIKE ROSE

It was another complete team effort as the Rochester Red Wings (7-2, 45-37) beat the Buffalo Bisons (3-5, 40-42) 3-1 in Buffalo on Wednesday.

The Red Wings took another early lead before holding off a Bisons comeback. Poor Bisons defense opened the scoring in the second inning. Jackson Cluff reached base on a bunt single and advanced to second on a throwing error. With runners on the corners and two out, Erick Mejia hit Bisons second baseman Miguel Hiraldo, whose throwing error allowed Cluff to score.

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In the third inning, Carter Kieboom threw the first pitch he saw for a solo home run that made it 2-0 for Rochester. The home run was Kieboom’s third of the season. The former National League top prospect has hits in eight of his last nine games and has driven in a run in his last five.

Thad Ward started for Rochester and held the Bisons off the scoreboard despite walking six and hitting three in 4.1 innings of work. Ward’s six walks tied his season high, set in his last start against Indianapolis. He added four strikeouts Wednesday.

The Red Wings held their 2-0 lead until the seventh inning, when they extended their lead to 3-0. Trey Lipscomb took the lead and hit his third home run of the season and second for Rochester. Buffalo had its best chance to come back in the bottom half of the inning. Buffalo loaded the bases with one out and the heart of its order would rise. Adonis Medina took the lead and was able to retire Riley Tirotta on a hit that scored the Bisons’ first run. Medina followed by retiring Will Robertson on a fly ball to left that was caught by Mejia, ending Buffalo’s best chance at a comeback.

Rico Garcia finally slammed the door shut for his 13th save of the season as Rochester continued its strong second half. The Red Wings recorded nine hits in the win, including two hits by Lipscomb and Alex Call. With the win, Rochester remains in sole possession of first place in the International League at 7-2.

The Red Wings return home tomorrow as they host Buffalo for the final three games of the series. First pitch from Innovative Field for the Fourth of July festivities is scheduled for 6:45 p.m.