Five-Run Fifth Dooms RailRiders in Loss
Moosic, Pa. - A grand slam in the fifth inning by Tyler Moore helped the Syracuse Chiefs (Triple-A/Washington Nationals) top the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (New York Yankees) on Thursday night, 7-1. The win marks just the second time this season the Chiefs have emerged victorious at PNC Field.
RailRider starter Michael Pineda did not allow a hit in the first three innings, but Danny Espinosa ended that run with a solo home run that led off the fourth inning. It was Espinosa's second home run in as many days, and put the Chiefs on the board.
The Chiefs broke the game open in the fifth. Zach Walters began the frame with a base hit, and following a walk to Kelly Shoppach, Chris Rahl was hit by a pitch to load the bases. Eury Perez was hit by a fastball from Pineda to advance home Walters, but it forced Perez's exit from the game. Two outs later, Moore sent his grand slam to the left field bullpens to give Syracuse a 6-0 lead.
A solo home run in the sixth ended the shutout. Randy Ruiz slammed a one-out homer to left field to put the RailRiders on the board in the run column. It was Ruiz's 10th home run of the season, which places him second on the team. His tally is an impressive feat considering Thursday was just his 27th game with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Syracuse starter Caleb Clay (3-2) provided a strong start for the Chiefs. He worked six innings and allowed just one run as he scattered eight hits. Clay did not walk a batter, and struck out four batters. The Chiefs bullpen provided three innings of scoreless relief.
Pineda (1-1) pitched into the fifth, and was handed the loss. He allowed six runs on four hits, including the Moore grand slam in a five-run fifth inning. He worked four and two-thirds innings with six strikeouts. Chase Whitley relieved him and tossed two and one-third innings of shutout baseball out of the SWB bullpen.
The RailRiders will conclude their nine-game homestand with a 7:05 p.m. first pitch at PNC Field on Friday night. SWB will look to earn the split with the Chiefs, and will send left-hander David Huff (4-4, 3.18) to the mound. A post-game fireworks show presented by Jack Williams Tire & Auto will entertain fans following the contest. The game will be broadcast live on MyNetwork TV, and can also be heard on NEPA Sports Radio - The GAME, Northeast PA's largest sports radio network.
- SWB RailRiders - All Aboard! -