Rehabbing Souza leads Chiefs one step closer to division title

By Michael Castellano
Photo by Rick Nelson (for Syracuse Chiefs)

The Syracuse Chiefs moved one step closer to clinching their first division crown since 1989 with a win over the Rochester Red Wings Wednesday night.

Steven Souza Jr., on a rehab assignment from Washington, led Syracuse with two hits including a game-tying double in the bottom of the eighth off Rochester reliever Lester Oliveros. Brandon Laird then singled in Souza to give Syracuse a 4-3 lead. Rafael Martin retired the RedWings 1-2-3 in the ninth to solidify the victory.

Rochester(74-64) opened up the scoring in the first on a 2-run homer off the bat of Chris Hermann. Josmil Pinto later scored on a groundout to short by Delbinson Romero.

Syracuse(78-59) was held scoreless thru the first six innings off a strong pitching performance from Red Wings starter Kris Johnson. Johnson allowed only two hits thru the first six frames while striking out five.

Chiefs starter Aaron Laffey matched Johnson pitch for pitch retiring 10 straight batters after a rocky first inning. The former Met pitched seven solid innings keeping the score at 3-0 going into the bottom of the seventh.

After issuing walks to Tyler Moore and Brandon Laird to start the bottom of the seventh, Kris Johnson was relieved by Lester Oliveros. Oliveros loaded the bases and gave the Chiefs their first run of the game off a Jhonathan Solano sac fly. Jeff Kobernus later singled in Brandon Laird to cut the Rochester lead to 3-2.

Xavier Cedeno came in for the Chiefs in the eighth and retired the side in order.

Michael Taylor opened up the action in the bottom of the eighth with a leadoff single off Oliveros. Souza followed up with an RBI double down the left field line scoring Taylor. Brandon Laird singled up the middle scoring Souza to give the Chiefs a 4-3 lead.

"I feel good. Today was defintitely the best I've felt in a couple of weeks," Souza said.

Rafael Martin came in to record the save in the top of the ninth for the Chiefs.

"I like the team we have right now...we're so close to going to the playoffs," Laird said.

Syracuse can clinch a division title on Thursday with a win against Rochester and a Pawtucket loss to Lehigh Valley.

Souza, who was recently named the International League MVP and Rookie of the Year increased his IL leading batting average to .355.

"He just completely changes the complexion of the lineup," Chiefs manager Billy Gardner Jr. said.

The Chiefs return to action tomorrow night against the Red Wings at NBT Bank Stadium. Game time is set for 7 P.M.