IL1 Syracuse Mets

Bleier Pitches Chiefs Past IronPigs

Published on August 29, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Syracuse Mets News Release


Syracuse, NY (8/29/2015) - The Syracuse Chiefs beat the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 2-1, on Saturday night. Syracuse starter Richard Bleier pitched lights-out baseball, only allowing one run and three hits over seven innings. Dan Butler drew a walk to drive in a run and a Kevin Keyes sacrifice fly put the Chiefs ahead for good.

Lehigh Valley (60-75) struck first against Syracuse in the top of the fifth inning. IronPigs right-fielder Tyler Henson led off the inning with an infield single and promptly stole second base with Tommy Joseph batting. Joseph flied out to center, deep enough for Henson to tag and advance to third on the play. Kelly Dugan, the next batter, hit a high bouncer to Scott Sizemore at second. Sizemore threw home, but the throw was late and Henson scored to make the game 1-0.

Syracuse (61-74) answered two innings later in the bottom of the seventh. Jason Martinson singled to left field to start the inning. Matt Skole then doubled off the right-field wall, putting runners on first and second. After a Sizemore groundout that held the runners, IronPigs starter David Buchanan intentionally walked Caleb Ramsey to load the bases. Butler followed the intentional walk with a walk of his own, plating Martinson and tying the game at one. Keyes then came to the plate to pinch-hit for Bleier. Keyes hit a sacrifice fly to deep center, scoring Skole from third to seal the game at 2-1 in favor of Syracuse.

Starting pitchers Bleier and Buchanan were locked in a duel for most of the game. Buchanan lasted seven innings, allowing four hits and two runs while striking out three Syracuse batters. Bleier was even more impressive, only giving up one run while only allowing three hits and no walks. The Syracuse bullpen shut down the IronPigs as well. Matt Grace pitched one perfect inning, striking out one. Rafael Martin came in to pitch the ninth, striking out a batter while earning the save.

The Chiefs and IronPigs will play the second of a three-game home set Sunday afternoon with first pitch slated for 1:05 p.m. Right-hander A.J. Cole will take the mound for Syracuse opposite Lehigh Valley right-hander Sean O'Sullivan.

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