The Diamond Devil’s starting pitcher Pat McPherson held Buffalo in check for 8 1/3 innings. However, a base hit, a questionable hit and an error would waste an outstanding pitching performance.

Pat did all he could to get the win besides almost going the distance on the mound, he drove in the Devils only run of the game. In the sixth, Adam Gregg started off the inning with a walk and then stole second before Lee Gregg walked. Both Adam and Lee advanced when Brandon Schliinz grounded out to first. Ryan Dwyer was hit by a pitch to load the bases. On a change of pitchers, Pat hit a sac fly to center to score the only run of the game until the ninth inning.

Buffalo’s only threat before the ninth came in the seventh inning. With two outs, Nate Hill drew a walk and then pinch ran for Mike Gillespie. A base hit by Keith Nygaard gave Buffalo runners at second and first. In the next at bat, Ben Forquette drove a ball up the middle. Pat was able to get a glove on the ball to slow it down just enough for Brandon Schliinz to make a play behind second base. Brandon’s flip to Adam Gregg was late to get the out but Buffalo’s Manager Mark Benzer sent Mike home. A strong throw by Adam had Mike out at home by two steps.

Buffalo scored two runs in the top of the ninth. With one out, Ty Anthony singled. Nate Hill, in his at bat, bunted down the third base line. A good throw by the Devil’s KC Johnson appeared to have Nate by a step however the umpire called him safe. The Devils brought in Adam Gregg and he got a ground ball to third but an error allowed Buffalo to score the tying run. A bloop hit later and the Devils were trailing for the first time in the game.

The Devils tried to rally in the bottom of the ninth getting two base hits but would leave the tying run at third as the final out was recorded at second base. That would be two more runners left on base, making the total for the game 13 with 8 of them in scoring position.