Bats roll past Buffalo, 8-3

LOUISVILLE, Ky. - Dontrelle Willis gave up three runs in 5.1 innings pitched, as the Bats defeated the Buffalo Bisons, 8-3 on Saturday. The win is the fourth straight for the Bats and improves the team to 22-14 and 12-7 at Louisville Slugger Field.

Willis had plenty of offensive support as six different members of the Bats lineup scored a run.

The Bats came out swinging in the first inning, scoring four runs. Zack Cozart led off with a double and then scored on Juan Francisco's double. After a walk to Jeremy Hermida, Devin Mesoraco knocked a three-run home run to give the Bats the 4-0 lead. The home run gave Mesoraco three of his four RBI in the game.

The Bisons responded with two runs of its own in the second inning. Valentino Pascucci collected the first Buffalo run of the game, scoring on a single by Jonathan Malo. Malo later scored off of a Raul Chavez single.

Louisville brought in four runs again in the fifth inning. The Bats loaded the bases on singles by Francisco and Frazier, and a walk to Hermida. Francisco scored on a groundout by Mesoraco to put the Bats up, 5-2. Frazier and Hermida were then brought in on a double by Danny Dorn. Brent Clevlen hit a double of his own to score Dorn and give the Bats the 8-2 advantage.

Frazier's single in the fifth inning extended his hitting streak to 11 games, which ties a career high.

The Bisons' third and final run came in the sixth inning when Nick Evans scored on a Jesus Feliciano single.

Willis (3-1, 2.63) earned the win for the Bats. He allowed nine hits, walked one batter and struck out two.

Brian Sweeney (0-2, 9.90) took the loss for the Bisons as he gave up seven runs on 10 hits in four innings of work.

The Bats and Bisons continue their series tomorrow at 2:05 p.m. RHP Scott Carroll (1-1, 5.09) will take the mound for Louisville. RHP D.J. Carrasco (1-1, 5.14) will start for the Bisons.