'The Butler Did It': Syracuse Chiefs Win Their Ninth Game in a Row

By Ellen Burr

SYRACUSE, N.Y. – The Syracuse Chiefs extended their winning streak to nine Wednesday night, beating the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, 9-5. This is the longest winning streak the Chiefs have had since 2012.

After a slow start for both teams in the first two innings, the Chiefs found their flow in the third, with two runs over the IronPigs’ one. That flow turned into a tidal wave as Syracuse poured it on in the fourth inning, scoring five runs against Lehigh Valley’s one, making the score 7-2 going into the fifth.

Syracuse Chiefs’ catcher Dan Butler had two runs and two RBIs on two hits. Butler said before the game he was working with his coaches in the cage to adjust his batting. Butler credited the Chiefs' win to the team’s strong fourth inning.

“I mean because we kept tacking on runs, they kept tacking on runs,” Butler said. “Getting the multiple runs right there kind of helped settle the game for us and put us in control.”

Once again, Syracuse second baseman Emmanuel Burris had a strong game with one run and two RBIs on two hits.

“I love the fact that I can get things going for the team,” Burriss said. “You know sometimes when I don’t I feel bad, but we have a good group of guys. So whenever I’m not getting it done the way I want to they’re always picking me up. To make sure I’m getting my job done, it feels good every day.”

An improved clubhouse environment and was an essential part of the Chiefs’ success over the past nine games, Chiefs’ Manager Billy Gardner Jr. explained. But Gardner is looking to one player to keep the streak alive through the next game.

“Momentum is only as good as that guy going out on the mound tomorrow, so hopefully Richard Bleier will pitch like we know he’s capable of, and we’ll keep the streak going,” Gardner said.

The Syracuse Chiefs look to increase their winning streak to ten games as they take on Lehigh Valley again tonight at home at 7:05 PM.

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Postgame Interview with Syracuse Chiefs Manager Billy Gardner, Jr.

Postgame Interview with Syracuse Chiefs Catcher Dan Butler