By CRAIG POTTER
The Syracuse Chiefs score an unearned run in the 9th inning to pull out a 2-1 win over Rochester.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — A rare error by Rochester Red Wings centerfielder Zack Granite in the top of the ninth inning was converted into the game-winning run by the Syracuse Chiefs for a 2-1 victory on the belated opening game Monday night before a paid crowd of 3,286 fans at Frontier Field.
“It was just a muff,” Granite said. “It hit my glove. I don’t know. I’m not used to that. Tough play. We’ll put it behind us and we’ll get at it tomorrow.
“It won’t happen again. Don’t worry about that.”
Alejandro De Aza stroked a fly ball to right-center that bounced off Granite’s glove for a 3-base error with one out off releiver Taylor Duffey. Chris Dominguez then hit a sacrifice fly to right field to plate De Aza with the go-ahead run.
“Sometimes wacky things like that happen,” said Wings starter Aaron Slegers of the error. “He’s the best centerfielder I’ve ever played with in my career. We’ve played a lot of games together. He’s played center field a lot.”
The Red Wings had a chance in the home half. With two gone, Taylor Featherston was safe at first when the throw from second baseman Irving Flau was dropped by first baseman Dominguez. Nick Buss drew a walk, but Bobby Wilson was called out on strikes, on a pitch he thought was Ball 4, to end the game.
The Chiefs grabbed the lead in the third inning off Slegers.
Rochester tied the game in the bottom half when Jake Cave ripped a 1-out single to right. Walks to Kennys Vargas and Featherston loaded the bases with two outs. Cave raced home on a wild pitch to even the score, 1-1.
Slegers threw 6 innings, giving up the one run and 5 hits.
“It felt good throwing strikes,” Slegers said. “That’s kinda my game plan attacking hitters. I’m happy to fill up the strike zone today and get the team into the sixth.”
The Red Wings loaded the bases in the first and third innings but were able to score just the one run. Rochester stranded 16 base runners in the game.
The teams are slated to go at it again Tuesday at 5:35 pm.
*NOTES — The Rochester Red Wings made the following moves to get down to the 25-man Opening Day roster: LHP Casey Crosby (left hamstring strain) placed on the disabled list, C Jordan Pacheco (right wrist fracture) placed on the disabled list…In the Express Mart Thruway Cup Series, the Red Wings now are 0-1 in the season-long competition for the Thruway Cup against the Chiefs and Buffalo Bisons.
Links
Rochester Red Wings – redwingsbaseball.com