The Lehigh Valley IronPigs (18-16) took on the Buffalo Bisons (19-15) in game three of the six-game homestand at Coca-Cola Park on Friday night.
Mike Mariot (2-0, 5.06 ERA) was on the mound for the IronPigs, while the Bisons started Shaun Anderson (1-1, 4.91 ERA).
In the bottom of the first inning, IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall was up at-bat with a runner on first base. He hit a two-run home run in front of the WFMZ-TV sign at right field, putting Lehigh Valley up 2-0.
IronPigs’ starter Mike Mariot pitched a gem. He made quick work by getting the Bisons’ batters to ground out and fly out. Mariot did a great job, pitching seven innings, allowing three hits, no runs, two walks, and one strikeout in 83 pitches.
At the top of the eighth inning, the IronPigs made a pitching change with Jonathan Hennigan in for Mariot. The Bisons tied the game. Bisons’ right fielder Cullen Large was up at-bat with runners on first and second base with two outs. He singled on a line drive to right field, scoring a run that cut the IronPigs lead 2-1.
Then, Bisons’ third baseman Jordan Groshans singled on a sharp line drive to left field, bringing home another run that tied the game 2-2. The Bisons had four straight hits with two outs.
Moving ahead to the tenth inning, the Bisons took the lead. Bisons’ catcher Gabriel Moreno was up at-bat with a runner on third base. He singled on a sharp line drive to center field, scoring a run that put Buffalo up 3-2.
In the bottom of the tenth inning, the IronPigs had a chance to end the game with the bases loaded. However, IronPigs’ first baseman Darick Hall popped up to left field for the third out, and the Bisons beat the IronPigs 3-2.
The win went to Bisons’ relief pitcher Kyle Johnston (2.0 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 2 BB, 3 SO), while the loss went to IronPigs’ relief pitcher Tyler Cyr (2.0 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 3 SO).
Game five of the homestand continues tonight at 6:35 pm. Tickets for the game can be purchased thanks to our friends at StubHub.
