Buffalo, N.Y. — Aaron Nola delivered an eye-catching rehab performance, but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 6-0 setback for the Lehigh Valley IronPigs against the Buffalo Bisons at Sahlen Field on Tuesday night. In his third rehab start, Nola logged 5.2 innings, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out 11 batters, but the IronPigs were unable to muster a timely offense.
The Bisons broke through in the sixth inning. Josh Rivera led off with a double, and Jonatan Clase followed with another double to bring him home. Yohendrick Piñango singled Clase home, setting the stage for Phil Clarke, who delivered a run-scoring single to plate two more. Orelvis Martinez later scampered home on a wild pitch as Buffalo tallied five in the frame to seize a 5-0 lead.
Buffalo added one more in the seventh on a Riley Tirotta RBI single to push the margin to six.
Andrew Bash (5-2) earned the win in relief for the Bisons, tossing two perfect innings with four strikeouts.
For the IronPigs, Nola (0-1) was excellent in his rehab start, finishing 5.2 innings with four hits allowed and no walks, and a dazzling 11 strikeouts, though two runs scored against him.
The series continues on Wednesday, August 13, with a 1:05 p.m. first pitch at Sahlen Field. Gabe Mosser (3-3, 6.08) starts for Lehigh Valley against Trey Yesavage in what marks the Bisons’ AAA debut.
Notes and context:
– The IronPigs’ offensive woes were the story of the night, as they were shut out while the Bisons seized control with a five-run sixth.
– Nola’s performance signals positive momentum in his return from the injured list, underscoring why teams monitor rehab starts closely when a top pitcher is nearing a regreso.
– The game featured a notable debut for the Bisons’ affiliate for AAA call-ups, with Trey Yesavage making his AAA debut for Buffalo.
Summary: Nola’s 11-strikeout, 5.2-inning rehab gem showed the potential for a major league return, even as Lehigh Valley lost a low-scoring affair in Buffalo. The series continues with eyes on both teams’ upcoming rotations and lineups.
Additional value:
– For fans following the IronPigs, Tuesday’s game highlighted the need for a spark from the offense and continued evaluation of Nola’s rehab progress as he moves closer to MLB roster consideration.
– If you’re updating rosters or prospect watch, keep an eye on Yesavage’s performance in this series and how Nola’s next rehab start influences his reintegration plan.