James helps Chiefs win 8-3

Syracuse, N.Y. - The Chiefs took the series opener against the Rochester Red Wings 8-3 on Friday night at Alliance Bank Stadium. Syracuse improved to 10-5 with the win, staying atop the International League's North Division. It was the Red Wings' second loss in as many nights. They fell to 6-9.

Two Rochester errors in the second inning helped the Chiefs jump out to an early 3-0 lead. Brock Peterson bobbled Syracuse shortstop Pete Orr's grounder to first to start the inning, allowing Orr to reach first on the play. Orr scored on a Seth Bynum double two batters later. Later in the inning, Red Wings outfielder Dustin Martin dropped Devin Ivany's fly ball to right, allowing Bynum to score from third and Ivany to reach second.

Rochester cut into the lead with three runs in the sixth. Trevor Plouffe's bases-clearing triple with one out made it 4-2. Plouffe scored on the same play after Pete Orr's throw to third ended up in the Syracuse dugout.

Roger Bernadina started the scoring for the Chiefs in the first inning, taking Mike Maroth's pitch deep and out of the park for his second homer of the year. Bernadina also added a single in the seventh for Syracuse, finishing two for three on the night. He has now had a hit in seven straight games. Seth Bynum stayed hot, collecting his third multi-hit game in a row for the Chiefs. He's seen his batting average rise from .163 to .241 during the homestand.

Chiefs starter Chuck James made his first start since 2008, tossing five shutout innings to get the win for Syracuse. The former Atlanta Braves starter only gave up one hit and retired the last 13 hitters he faced. Maroth picked up his second loss of the season for Rochester. He lasted four innings and threw 67 pitches, giving up four runs and five hits.

The Chiefs will be back in action Saturday afternoon at Alliance Bank Stadium. Syracuse's J.D. Martin (1-0, 2.95) and Rochester's Glen Perkins (0-1, 9.95) are tomorrow's probable starters. First pitch will be at 2 p.m.