Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons face the Norfolk Tides in the final game of a four-game series at Harbor Park (7:15 p.m.). The Herd now leads the series 2-1 after shutting out Norfolk with a 1-0 victory yesterday afternoon. Buffalo is now 3-4 on their eight-game roadtrip. After tonight’s game, the Bisons will return home for an eight-game homestand against the Indianapolis Indians and the Durham Bulls.

VS. TIDES:

This is the final meeting between the Bisons and the Tides this season. Ahead 4-3, Buffalo can win the season series with a victory tonight. The teams split a four-game set back at Coca-Cola Field, May 8-11. Since returning to the International League in 1998, the Bisons are 57-35 against Norfolk, good for a .620 winning percentage.

TEAM SHUTOUT:

The Herd’s pitching staff recorded their first shutout of the season yesterday. Norfolk entered the game with an IL-best .286 batting average, but was held off the scoreboard for the first time in 2009. The combination of RHP Brandon Knight and three relievers held the Tides to just three hits. It was the Bisons first 1-0 victory since August 16, 2008 vs. Pawtucket.

HITTING 11:

OF Wily Mo Pena became the first Bisons player to record an 11-game hit streak this season. The slugger went 1-4 on Thursday and is now hitting .318 (14-44) since his streak began on May 25. During the streak, Pena has also collected a double, two home runs and six RBI. The streak has raised his average 48 points from .200 to .248.

DONE LIKE DESSENS: RHP

Elmer Dessens has converted his last seven save opportunities. On the year, the veteran has struck out 20 batters and allowed just 18 hits in 28 innings of work. Opponents are hitting just .184 off him. Dessens has a record of 3-1 with an ERA of 1.29 on the year.