The Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals, extended their season-high winning streak to six games with a 2-0 victory at Rochester on Saturday night. Southpaw Tommy Milone starred once again with his third consecutive quality start. Milone threw seven shutout innings, surrendering just three hits while walking none and striking out nine. The lefthander has now struck out 42 hitters this season while walking just three. Jeff Mandel cut a Rochester rally short in the ninth, inducing a fly out from Jeff Bailey with the bases loaded and two outs.
In a game where offense was at a premium, Syracuse (18-22) scored in the third inning thanks to a Rochester (16-24) error. Third baseman Adam Fox singled to lead off the frame, advanced to a second on a one-out groundout, and then scored on a steal of third and throwing error by catcher Steve Holm.
It took six innings for the Chiefs to muster up a second run, which again was helped by a Rochester defensive miscue. Michael Aubrey led off the ninth inning with a walk. After Chris Marrero struck out, Tug Hulett hit into a potential double-play ground ball that shortstop Ray Chang threw away. Jhonatan Solano then followed with an RBI single to right field.
In the bottom of the ninth, Mandel relieved Adam Carr after a leadoff walk to Jason Repko. Ray Chang’s single and Rene Tosoni’s sacrifice bunt put two runners in scoring position before Aaron Bates grounded back to the pitcher. After an intentional walk to Brian Dinkelman, Bailey sent Mandel’s 3-2 pitch to deep center field where Corey Brown made the game-ending catch.
Syracuse and Rochester play game two of their four-game series tomorrow afternoon at 1:05. Chiefs righthander Craig Stammen will duel against Red Wings righty Eric Hacker.
Courtesy: Syracuse Chiefs
