By CRAIG POTTER
Rochester’s defense shines in the 6-3 victory over the Buffalo Bisons.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings made several sparkling plays on defense, and none better than the final double play that ended the 6-3 game against the Buffalo Bisons on Saturday night before 7,545 fans at Frontier Field.
With runners on second and third, Rochester first baseman ByungHo Park gobbled up a grounder off the bat of Christian Lopes. He looked back the runner at third, then raced to the bag for the out at first. He noticed that the runner at second was far off the bag and fired the ball to shortstop Engelb Vielma, who beat the runner to the base to complete the double play and end the game.
“Our inner-diamond defense was fabulous,” said Red Wings manager Mike Quade. “Those kids on the infield are really good.
“(Pitching coach) Stu (Gilburn) said have you ever seen anything like that, the way the game ended? I know I haven’t seen a two-run wild pitch AND that play in the same game, that I’m fairly certain.
“Park is so much better defensively. I have to give him so much credit for the plays he’s made. He’s played really, really well at first base…He deserves a ton of credit for working on it and making himself better.”
Vielma at shortstop, defensively could play in the major leagues as he makes so many difficult play look easy. He just needs to improve his hitting.
“When it comes to defense, I’ve never had a kid as good,” Quade said. “Yes, we have to work at the plate with his bat, but my goodness, to think about the games he’s saved us and the innings he’s cut short because of his defense, sometimes when I get a little irritated with one of his at bats, I stop myself and think how much he’s done for us in the field.
“Everybody contributes in the field, but not like this. He’s really good.”
The victory, coupled with Lehigh Valley’s 3-0 win over the Pawtucket Red Sox, kept the Red Wings’ lead over the IronPigs at 2 games for the International League’s wild card berth.
The Wings jumped out to an early lead against Buffalo starter Brett Oberholzer. RBI singles from J.B. Shuck, Leonardo Reginatto, and Levi Michael gave the Wings a 3-0 advantage in the first.
Rochester starter David Hurlbut (9-8) retired the first 7 batters he faced before allowing a single in the third. The Bisons picked up a run in the fourth on a triple and run-scoring groundout.
In the bottom of the fifth, the Wings took advantage of a pair of wild pitches by Oberholzer to increase their lead to 5-1. One wild pitch allowed Daniel Palka and Niko Goodrum to advance to second and third, and the second wild pitch actually allowed both runners to score – with Goodrum hustling home all the way from second base.
Buffalo chased Hurlbut in the sixth inning after a two-out single was followed by a pair of walks that forced in a run to make the score 5-2 with the bases loaded. Alex Wimmers relieved Hurlbut, and got a groundball out to end the threat.
Hurlbut hurled 5.3 innings and allowed 7 hits, 2 earned runs, and walked 2 and added 3 strikeouts.
Buffalo moved one run closer in the seventh inning with a triple and sacrifice fly.
Jake Reed relieved Wimmers with one on and two out in the eighth inning, getting a groundball out to keep the score 5-3.
In the home eighth, the Wings tallied an insurance marker. Reginatto led off with a double, moved to third on a bunt hit by Shuck, and scored on a single from Michael.
*NOTES – Scranton/Wilkes-Barre clinched an IL playoff spot with a victory over the Syracuse Chiefs on Saturday. The RailRiders’ magic number to clinch the North Division is 2 over Rochester…The Red Wings series and homestand concludes Sunday at 1:35 p.m., with an appearance by Thomas the Tank Engine, a Knot Hole Kids’ Club game, and kids can run the bases with Spikes and Mittsy after the game against the Bisons…The Red Wings’ record when scoring first is now (54-15) – best in the International League…The Rochester’s pitching staff came into play Saturday with a league-best 3.30 ERA, despite using a franchise record 40 different pitchers this season…32-year-old Matt Hague was the leadoff batter for the Wings tonight for the first time since he played baseball, whether it was little league, high school, or as a pro.
*More to come
Links
Rochester Red Wings – www.redwingsbaseball.com
Videos
Mike Quade interview – https://youtu.be/19iKjIggCAw