Herd falls to Gwinnett 2-1
Scott Copeland's fantastic start was not enough on Monday night. The Herd lost their series opener against Gwinnett 2-1 at Coca-Cola Field.
Copeland made his first appearance with the Bisons since he was optioned back from the Blue Jays. The starter had not pitched in nine days. Despite the result, he only allowed three hits on two runs. "It's rare that you give up three hits and lose a game," said hitting coach Rich Hebner. One of those three hits was a two run blast from Braves' Adonis Garcia in the fourth inning, which would give the Braves their only two runs of the game. "I tripped on the pitch. That was the first time I tripped and there it goes."
The southpaw made his first start since June 4th for the Herd, pitching seven innings. Copeland struck out two in his performance, recording the loss for Buffalo.
Buffalo's Caleb Gindl recorded his third homerun of the season in the fifth inning, helping the Bisons avoid the shutout at home. Despite Gindl's attempt to give the Herd a rally, he was not pleased. "Copeland goes out there and pitches a great game and we'll have days like that," Gindl said of the lack of offense in the defeat.
The Bisons look to bounce back on Tuesday for a 7:05 first pitch. Lefty Randy Wolf is scheduled to start for the Herd.
BISONS NOTES:
Hitting Coach Richie Hebner will be serving as the team's manager for the next four days as Gary Allenson will take his Blue Jays-mandated four-day break. Allenson will return Friday for the Independence Eve celebration at Coca-Cola Field.