4/14/09

Scranton 5, Buffalo 3

The Buffalo Bisons, Triple-A Affiliate of the New York Mets, posted a season high 12 hits Tuesday, but it wasn't enough to top the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees, 5-3 in 11 innings.

After four innings tied at 3-3, the Yankees (6-0) broke through in the top of the 11th. After a leadoff walk to Austin Jackson and a stolen base, Angel Berroa's one-out double scored the go-ahead run. Berroa was plated two batters later when Kevin Russo doubled as well. That made the score, and the final, 5-3.

The Bisons (1-5) had a chance in the bottom of the 11th inning. Centerfielder Jesus Feliciano reached with a leadoff double, only to watch the Herd go down in order to follow.

The Yankees got their share off Bisons starter Jonathon Niese early. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre leadoff man Russo shot a singled to the left side to begin the game. He then stole second and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Cleanup hitter Shelley Duncan singled to center to score SWB's first run.

Buffalo responded to the Yankee attack, plating Michel Abreu in the bottom of the second. That score made things 2-1. Jose Coronado picked up his second RBI of the season, grounding into a fielder's choice with one out and Abreu on third.

A one run deficit was short-lived, however, with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre adding a run in the top of the fourth. Again it was a walk to put a Yankee aboard. Designated hitter Justin Leone reached on a Niese free-pass with one out. He advanced to second on a passed ball and then scored on an RBI single from catcher Kevin Cash.

But the Triple-A Yanks couldn't shut down the Buffalo bats from there. Down 3-1, the Bisons tacked on runs in both the fifth and sixth innings. Nick Evans reached on a one-out walk in the fifth. The outfielder advanced to second when Bobby Kielty flied out in foul territory to Berroa at third. Evans was able to advance after Berroa lost his footing making the catch near his team's bullpen. Abreu followed that play with an RBI double, driving in Evans and tying the game at three.

Niese got a no decision in his second start with Buffalo. The lefty allowed two earned on eight hits over five innings. He struck out five and walked three. Eddie Kunz was excellent in relief, striking out five over a scoreless three innings.

The win went to Mark Melancon (1-0). Carlos Muinz suffered the loss, his first.

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