Rochester increases its division lead to 3 1/2 games over Buffalo.
By Nick Grasso / Rochester Red Wings
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings demolished the Buffalo Bisons, 11-2, in the series finale at Frontier Field on Sunday afternoon. Outstanding performances from CF Andrew Stevenson, C Taylor Gushue, and first time Triple-A RHP Cole Henry propelled the Wings to a victory and the 4-2 series win.
With the victory, East Division leader Rochester increased its lead over the second-place Bisons to 3 1/2 games.
RHP Cole Henry, after spending time with the Nationals’ Double-A affiliate, was called to suit up for the Wings and delivered an impressive Triple-A debut performance. He registered three strikeouts and held the Bisons scoreless through five innings of work.
Stevenson had an electric performance, collecting four runs, three RBI, and registering a home run in three at bats. He hit his 15th double of the season in the bottom of the fourth, good for second in the IL if Omaha’s Vinnie Pasquantino and Toledo’s Josh Lester fail to record a double on Sunday. Stevenson also recorded Rochester’s only stolen base of the day and his 16th of the season, good for second in the International League.
The Wings got off to a red-hot start, scoring six runs in the first inning thanks to a triple from 1B Jake Noll and homers from Gushue and 2B Adrian Sanchez. Noll’s triple was his first since April 7 in Toledo. Gushue’s homer was his first with the Wings and his sixth of the year, with the others coming during his time with Harrisburg.
The offense continued for Rochester in the second and fourth innings thanks to two hits and two RBI from 3B Ehire Adrianza.
Wings relieving RHP Cory Abbott took the mound in the sixth and pitched 2 2/3 scoreless innings before LHP Sam Clay toed the rubber for the final third of the inning. LHP Francisco Perez came in to close it out.
The Red Wings will enjoy a day of rest on Monday in preparation for their two-week road trip beginning with Tuesday’s matchup in St. Paul, MN., at 8:07 p.m.