Derek Hill’s three-run blast gives Rochester the advantage over the Bisons.
By Caktus AI / Rochester Red Wings
BUFFALO, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings took the field Wednesday night against the Buffalo Bisons in game two of a six-game set, hoping to avenge Tuesday night’s 7-4 loss. They returned the favor, handing the Bisons a 7-4 loss of their own, headlined by a three-run home run from CF Derek Hill amidst a five-run third inning.
Buffalo struck first when Rochester native, 3B Ernie Clement drove in 2B Tanner Morris in the bottom of the first inning. It was the first time since 5/12 that a Wings’ opponent scored first and the first time since 5/6 that an opposing team scored in the first inning. Rochester immediately answered in the top of the second frame, taking a 2-1 lead when C Francisco Arcia doubled on a ball that hit off the left field wall at Sahlen Field. It drove in 1B Wilson Garcia and DH Nomar Mazara.
A sac fly from Buffalo DH LJ Talley in the bottom of the second that scored CF Otto Lopez evened the score at 2-2. The Bisons reclaimed a 3-2 lead three batters later when Morris drove in a run on a soft line drive to left field. Clement added another run with a single through the left side, bringing the lead to 4-2.
That lead lasted just two outs before SS Richie Martin drove a single into left field that scored 3B Carter Kieboom and LF Travis Blankenhorn. Hill blasted a three-run home run to left-center field in the ensuing at-bat to break open a 7-4 lead for Rochester. It was the Wings’ 26th home run against a right-handed pitcher and 17th blast on the road this year. The score would remain the same for the rest of Wednesday night after the home run. While both teams threatened, neither crossed another runner following the third inning.
RHP Paolo Espino got the nod as the starter Wednesday night. He completed 1.2 innings of work, allowing six hits, four earned runs, and two walks. RHP Luis Reyes, LHP Alberto Baldonado, RHP Amos Willingham, RHP Gerson Moreno, and RHP Jordan Weems turned in 7.1 innings of scoreless work to maintain Rochester’s lead. They combined to strike out eight batters from the third inning on. Reyes (2-0, 5.28) earned the win, with Buffalo’s RHP Mitch White taking the loss. Weems struck out two of three batters and earned the save.
Derek Hill has been named the Diamond Pro Player of the Game after he went 1-for-4 with a walk and delivered the decisive blow with a 3-run home run in the top of the third inning. The knock was Hill’s third of the season and first blast since 4/25.
Rochester returns to the field tomorrow for the third game in the series against the Bisons. RHP Jose Urena is set to make his third start of the year for the Wings as he vies for his first win of the season against LHP Sean Mellon. First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.