Bisons tack on runs early for 4-2 victory

The Bisons continued their winnings way against Gwinnett this season with a 4-2 victory on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Field.

The win gave Buffalo two straight victories over Gwinnett and five wins in seven contests this year.

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Outfielder Vinny Rottino highlighted the Bisons early scoring efforts with a two-run single in the bottom of the 2nd inning and in the process extended his hit streak to 20 games.

In the bottom of the first, outfielder Corey Wimberly led off the game with a single to centerfield. Then, outfielder Fred Lewis followed up with a double to score Wimberly all the way from first and cut into an early 2-0 Braves lead.

"Wimberly and Lewis have really become our table-setters to score runs early on in games," Manager Wally Backman said. "It helps out our guys in the middle of the lineup."

The first inning rally continued as Gwinnett starter Julio Teheran walked first baseman Valentino Pascucci and third baseman Matt Tuiasosopo to load the bases. The Atlanta Braves number one prospect walked a third straight batter, second baseman Brad Emaus, to force in a run to tie the game at 2-2.

"With guys like (Teheran) who is all over the places with his pitches, you just have to wait it out and find a good pitch," Rottino said.

On to the second, after singles by Bisons starter Chris Schwinden and Wimberly and a walk issued to Lewis, Rottino swatted a single to right to give the Herd the lead 4-2.

"We've been getting big hits all year," Rottino said. "It's a testament to how our offense is careful with pitches."

Schwinden took initiative to keep the Bisons lead throughout the game by pitching a quality outing. The Herd starter pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits striking out four. It is Schwinden's first win in four starts, dating back to April 17 of this season. However, he continues to pitch efficient innings, allowing three runs or less in each of his starts
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In the ninth, the Herd avoided a threat posed on by Gwinnett courtesy of crucial defensive plays by Wimberly and Emaus. The Braves put the first two on base but the Bisons fielders made great catched on the next two batters

"(Bisons closer Fernando) Cabrera found his composure and set down the next three batters to solidify the win," Backman said. "The Gods were watching us on Wimberly and Emaus' great plays on defense."

BISONS NOTES: Bisons starter Chris Schwinden went 2-2 in the batter's box with a run scored to back up his duties on the mound...Outfielder Corey Wimberly had his first stolen base of the season and first as a Bison...The Bisons as a team stole four bases Wednesday night. It is the first time since August 3, 2007 at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre that Buffalo has stolen four bases in a game.

from team press release