Bisons Use Long Ball to Top Red Wings, 5–3

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings opened their six-game homestand with a 5–3 loss to the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday night, despite outhitting their in-state rivals.

Rochester struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, stranding multiple runners on base and failing to deliver timely hits.

Buffalo jumped out to an early lead in the first inning when Yohendrick Pinango launched a two-run homer over the right-field wall — his second of the season — to make it 2–0.

The Red Wings responded in the bottom of the second, as Robert Hassell III led off the inning with a towering 428-foot home run, cutting the deficit to 2–1. It was also his second homer of the year.

From there, both starting pitchers settled into a rhythm. Rochester managed to get runners on base but couldn’t bring them home, continuing a theme that ultimately defined the game.

Red Wings starter Andrew Alvarez delivered a strong outing, pitching six innings while allowing three runs and striking out nine. However, he surrendered two home runs, including a blast by Riley Tirotta — his second of the season — that proved to be the difference.

Reliever Eddy Yean struggled in his appearance, giving up two runs in one inning of work.

Phillip Glasser provided a bright spot for Rochester, finishing with three hits — the only player on either team to record three in the game. Trey Lipscomb added two hits and drove in a pair of runs.

Rochester mounted a late push in the ninth inning, as Glasser and Hassell III recorded back-to-back hits to spark a rally. But the momentum quickly faded when Harry Ford grounded into a double play. Dylan Crews then struck out to end the game, sealing the 5–3 loss.

The defeat drops the Red Wings to .500 on the season and 0–1 to begin the homestand.

Manager Matthew LeCroy credited Alvarez’s performance but pointed to missed opportunities at the plate as the deciding factor.

“I thought Alvarez did a good job of keeping us in the ballgame,” LeCroy said. “We had a chance late to break their heart, but we just didn’t get it done. The effort was there — we just couldn’t finish.”

LeCroy also praised his starter’s consistency and emphasized the need for offensive adjustments moving forward.

“Alvarez has been great for us,” he said. “His breaking ball was really working tonight. Offensively, we just have to keep battling and take advantage of pitches in our zone. It’s a long season — we’ll be fine.”

The Red Wings will look to bounce back Wednesday afternoon in the second game of the series. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.

Rochester Redwings pitcher Andrew Alvarez #56 coming out of game behind a strong start against the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday.