Herd Scores in Seven of Nine Innings

Buffalo came out swinging and scored in each of the first four innings of a 9-4 victory over the Bats, Saturday night from Louisville Slugger field.

Facing lefties have been a source of frustration for the Bisons this season, and the Herd was up against one of Louisville's best in Phil Dumatrait. The southpaw was 2-0 against Buffalo last season and came into Saturday's game with a 5-2 record on year.

But the Bisons found the key to success in staying patient at the plate. Buffalo drew five walks off Dumatrait and nine for the game. In the first, Shin-Soo Choo started a two-out rally with a walk and scored along with Ben Francisco on a Keith Ginter single that was misplayed in left field.

After a solo run in the second, Choo led off the third with a double and Ginter joined him on the base paths with one of his two walks. Ryan Mulhern singled home Choo for his team-leading 33rd RBI. Ginter came across on another Bats' fielding error to give Buffalo a 5-2 lead.

The Bisons kept scoring as Franklin Gutierrez homered in the fourth inning and Ginter went deep in the seventh. Gutierrez drew a walk in the eight, stole second, advanced to third on a groundball and scored on a sacrifice fly from Choo.

In the ninth, Gutierrez collected his third RBI of the game with a single to left. He finished the game 2-5 with two runs scored.

Reigning International League Pitcher of the Week Sean Smith (5-1) was strong enough to earn his fifth straight winning decision. He allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings of work.

Eddie Buzachero, Matt Miller and Edward Mujica all threw an inning of shutout relief. Mujica's outing, a 1-2-3 ninth inning, was his first with the team since May 6.

BISONS NOTES: Keith Ginter is now tied with Ryan Mulhern for the team lead with eight home runs...The Bisons drew nine walks and were only struck out twice...The fifth and sixth innings were the only frames Buffalo did not score in...Buffalo was just 9-7 against lefties heading into the game. The team is 17-10 against right-handed starters.