Bisons' 11-Hit Attack Not Enough vs, Indy

The Bisons bats came alive Monday night, in an 11-hit performance that included three extra-base hits. The 11 hits even matched the total produced by Indianapolis, the International League's best team so far this year.
But runs are what matter in this game, and the run totals were not on Buffalo's side Monday. Indianapolis used a big 4-run 7th inning to deflate Buffalo's hopes, and the Indians came away with a 6-2 victory at Victory Field.

· Play Log
· Box Score

With Indianapolis clinging to a slim 2-1 lead at the time of the 7th-inning stretch, the Indians came alive in the bottom half of the frame to take a commanding lead that would not be relinquished. With Bisons middle reliever Dylan Owen working the mound, Indianapolis loaded the bases with one out to put Buffalo in a predicament.
With the bases loaded, reliever Justin Hampson came in to replace Owen, and the play of the game was immediately made. Indy first baseman Jeff Clement came through with his only hit of the game, a three-run double to center field that put the Indians up 5-1. Yamaico Navarro doubled home Clement later in the inning, and the damage was done.
Through the Herd's troubles and travails this summer, outfielder Fred Lewis has been a source of encouragement at the plate, and Monday was no different. Lewis accounted for two extra-base hits on the night, with a triple in the 3rd and a double in the 9th. When Lucas Duda drove Lewis in with a single in the 3rd, Buffalo had the early 1-0 lead.
The lead was brief, though, as Indianapolis quickly responded with the game-tying run later in the 3rd. The Indians took the lead for good an inning later when Navarro homered to left field, making the score 2-1 Indy.
Jenrry Mejia got the start on the mound for Buffalo, working three innings and allowing 1 run on 4 hits.
With the win Monday, Indianapolis takes the 2-1 edge in the series. The four-game set concludes Tuesday evening, with first pitch set for 7:05 p.m.
Bisons Notes: Catcher Mike Nickeas had a splendid night at the plate for Buffalo, going 4-for-4 with a double. In his time with the Herd this year (while not in New York), Nickeas is hitting .556...The Mets sent outfielder Kirk Nieuwenhuis down to Buffalo on Monday. Nieuwenhuis was called upon to pinch-hit for Mejia in the 4th, striking out swinging.