Kevin Smith's run-producing hit in the ninth inning stayed as the winning play while the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders managed to defeat the Buffalo Bisons 4-3 at Sahlen Field on Saturday.
The RailRiders, who won the game, are now 2-0 in the early season and have one more game in Buffalo on Sunday before returning to PNC Field for the home opener on Tuesday night.
As the game was tied 3-3 entering the ninth inning, Bisons reliever Zach Pop got the first two batters out but then allowed a walk to Jose Rojas.
Brandon Lockridge came into the game to run for Rojas and moved to a scoring position by stealing second base.
Smith was the next batter, and after observing two called strikes, the RailRiders' shortstop fouled off a sinker to stay in the game before hitting a base hit into right field, bringing Lockridge around to score the leading run.
Yerry De Los Santos, who joined the game in relief for Scranton/Wilkes-Barre in the eighth inning, secured the final three outs to claim the victory.
Cody Poteet started for the RailRiders and performed well in his season debut, pitching four innings without allowing any runs. He only gave up one hit, walked one, and struck out five.
The game was tied until the fifth inning, and then the Bisons managed to score first against RailRiders reliever Duane Underwood Jr. with back-to-back home runs from Max McDowell and Will Robertson.
The RailRiders made a strong comeback in the seventh inning, evening the score with a two-run double from Rojas and taking a 3-2 lead after Rojas was brought in on a sacrifice fly.
The Bisons added one more home run, tying the game with a solo shot from Nathan Lukes in the eighth inning, creating an opportunity for the RailRiders to take the lead in the ninth.
The first pitch for Sunday's final game between the RailRiders and the Bisons is scheduled for 1:05 p.m. at Sahlen Field.
