The Buffalo Bisons topped the Worcester Red Sox 12-1 on Thursday night at Sahlen Field, scoring four runs in their half of the first inning and never looking back en route to a blowout victory.
First baseman Rainer Nunez was one of several key contributors for Buffalo, going 2-4 with a three-run home run in the sixth inning. Nunez’ corner-infield counterpart Riley Tirotta notched a three-run long ball of his own.
Meanwhile, Buffalo center fielder Alan Roden continued his dominant start to the season with a pair of hits, bringing his batting average to .412 and his OPS to 1.120.
On the pitching side, the Bison were boosted by a strong outing from right-hander Lazaro Estrada. Estrada tossed six innings of one-run ball, surrendering only three hits in the process and striking out five Worcester batters. He worked efficiently, too, needing only 79 pitches to complete his six frames.
Worcester’s starting pitching on Thursday was a different story, as Buffalo got to righty Jose De Leon early. De Leon allowed five runs in his two innings pitched, giving up five hits and four walks.
The Red Sox only tallied four hits as a team, but three of them went for extra bases. First baseman Nathan Hickey hit a solo home run in the fifth inning, good for Worcester’s sole run of the game.
Meanwhile, center fielder Roman Anthony racked up a triple in the opening at-bat of the game, while third baseman Vaughn Grissom recorded a double.
Buffalo moves to 15-25 this season with the win, while Worcester dips a game below the .500 mark, now sitting at 20-21. The teams will be back in action tomorrow night in Buffalo, with first pitch set for 6:05 p.m.
