RailRiders rally to beat Bisons in extras, 6-4

After the Bisons scored four runs on five hits in the first two innings, the club's bats fell silent through the remaining eight innings of the game. The RailRiders rallied behind the Herd’s struggles, scoring six runs to win the game in extra innings, 6-4.

A big part of the Herd’s early lead was due to starting pitcher, TJ Zeuch, who was commanding on the mound. The big right-hander allowed just one run on three hits before leaving the game due to injury. Casey Lawrence took over on the mound for the club and the RailRiders rallied behind the pitching change, scoring two runs in the top of the 5th and one run in the top 6th to tie the game at four.

The two teams entered a stalemate for the final three innings of regulation and then headed to extra innings.

Armando Alvarez, who is one of the RailRiders’ best baserunners, started on second base in the top of the 10th. The speedy Alvarez took advantage of the opportunity, stealing third base to put the winning run just 90 feet away from home plate with no outs. Hobie Harris got some momentum going for the Herd, striking out two batters, but after a wild pitch, Alvarez was able to score from third, giving the RailRiders a 5-4 lead.

Scranton Wilkes-Barre wasn’t done in the top of the 10th. Hoy Jun Park, who was intentionally walked earlier in the inning in hopes of a double play, then scored on an RBI single off the bat of Socrates Brito. Brito’s single expanded the rival’s lead to two runs with just one at-bat left for the Bisons. The club wasn’t able to get anything going in the bottom of the 10th, dropping their third game of the series.

Zeuch, who appeared to be in a groove while on the bump, was effective with his pitches during his four innings on the mound. The big right-hander threw just 47 pitches in four innings, 33 of which were strikes. Zeuch ended the game with four strikeouts.

Unlike Zeuch, the RailRider’s starter, Nick Green, struggled early. With two outs in the bottom of the 1st, Kevin Smith hit the ball hard down the third baseline. RailRiders’ third baseman, Armando Alvarez, knocked the ball down, but wasn’t able to get the out at first base. Smith then stole second base, putting himself in scoring position for clean-up hitter Tyler White. White took advantage of the opportunity, doubling down the right-field line, and giving the Bisons a 1-0 lead.

Just two pitches later, Jared Hoying hit a double of his own to right field, scoring White and expanding the club’s early lead to two runs.

Kevin Smith’s first-inning steal was his sixth of the season. Smith is now a perfect 6-for-6 when stealing this year. Tyler White’s 1st inning double was his 9th of the season, tying Kevin Smith for the clubhouse lead in that category.

The Herd kept their early momentum going, adding to their lead in the bottom of the 2nd. With the bases loaded and no outs, Christian Colon grounded out to the shortstop. Although Colon’s groundout was not ideal, Richard Urena was able to score from third on the play, expanding the club's lead to three runs. The Bisons weren’t done yet in the bottom of the inning. Cullen Large, who has been on fire as of late, doubled to right field, scoring Dilson Herrera and giving the Herd a 4-0 lead over the RailRiders.

The club will look to replicate their hot start tomorrow afternoon when the Bisons (17-16) will go back at it against the rival RailRiders (22-11). First pitch is set for 1:00 pm. Anthony Kay is scheduled to start on the mound for the Herd.