By Josh Cook
The Louisville Bats rallied back from an early deficit only to blow a lead in the bottom of the ninth, falling 5-4 at Buffalo on Tuesday night.
The Bats, who exploded for 20 runs and a franchise-record 24 hits in ending a nine-game losing streak Monday night, mustered nine hits and four runs one night later. But it wasn't enough.
The Bison (16-10), who moved into first place in the International League North Division standings with the victory, trailed 4-3 entering the bottom of the ninth but scored twice against Louisville closer Jon Adkins with one out. The game-winning run scored on a wild pitch by Adkins.
Buffalo scored three runs - two in the third and one in the fifth - against Louisville starter Justin Lehr. But the Bats answered with two in the sixth, on a two-run double by Juan Francisco. Then in the top of the ninth Louisville scored twice more on a two-RBI triple by Todd Frazier.
In the bottom of the inning Adkins (0-1), who entered the game with four saves, came on in relief of Enerio Del Rosario. He gave up back-to-back singles, got an out, then yielded two more singles before his wild pitch sealed Louisville's fate.
First baseman Daniel Dorn led the Bats' batters, going 3-for-4.
Louisville (8-18), which is 8 1/2 games behind Columbus in the IL West, went 1-7 on its eight-game road trip. The Bats now have an off day for travel before returning home to face Rochester at 7:05 p.m. Thursday at Louisville Slugger Field to begin an eight-game homestand.
