After getting blown out on Tuesday night, the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (17-15) played the Buffalo Bisons (18-14) in game two of a six-game series at Coca-Cola Park.
James Marvel (0-5, 13-30 ERA) was on the mound for the IronPigs. He was looking for his first win of the season. The Bisons started Casey Lawrence (3-1, 2.82 ERA).
Unlike Tuesday night, the IronPigs did not give up nine runs. Instead, James Marvel quickly got three outs to start the game.
In the bottom of the first inning, the IronPigs took the lead. IronPigs’ right fielder Jorge Bonifacio was up at-bat with a runner on third base. He grounded into a forceout to Bisons’ shortstop Jordan Groshans, but not before scoring a run for a 1-0 lead with two outs.
In the bottom of the second inning, the IronPigs added another run. IronPigs’ catcher Edgar Cabral was up at-bat with one out. He hit a solo home run out to left field for a 2-0 IronPigs lead.
At the top of the third inning, the Bisons tied the game. First, IronPigs’ starter James Marvel threw a wild pitch with a runner on third base, scoring a run that cut the IronPigs lead, 2-1. Two batters later, Bisons’ right fielder Nathan Lukes hit a solo home run out to right field, tying the game 2-2.
The head umpire made a bad call in the bottom of the fourth inning. IronPigs’ third baseman Will Toffey bunted a single and reached first base. However, the umpire called Toffey out for batter interference. Toffey was in his lane, and Bisons’ first baseman Nick Podkul tried to catch the ball but hit Toffey. A similar play happened at the top of the second inning, and no interference was called on Buffalo. Just a bad call that should’ve been reviewed. Why have replays if you’re not using them to make the correct call?
Moving ahead to the top of the eighth inning, the Bisons took the lead. Bisons’ second baseman Samad Taylor was up at-bat with the bases loaded. He broke his bat, hitting a single to right field, scoring two runs for a 4-2 Bisons lead.
Matt Gage closed out the game for the Bisons in the bottom of the ninth inning. However, the IronPigs made it interesting. IronPigs’ catcher Edgar Cabral was up at-bat with runners on the corners. He singled to left field, scoring a run that made it a one-run game, 4-3.
Two batters later, with the bases loaded and two outs, the IronPigs had a chance to win the game. Unfortunately, IronPigs’ right fielder John Andreoli flied out to left field for the third out, and the Bisons won the game 4-3.
The win went to Bisons’ relief pitcher Adrian Hernandez (1.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 2 SO), while the loss went to IronPigs’ relief pitcher Michael Kelly (1.0 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 BB, 2 SO).
Game three of the six-game series continues tonight at 7:05 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
