Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons host the Durham Bulls in the first game of a four-game set at Coca-Cola Field (1:05 p.m.). The Bisons are 1-3 so far this homestand after a series defeat to the Indianapolis Indians prior to yesterday’s league-wide off day. Following this series, the Bisons will travel to Syracuse for a three-game in two day set with the Chiefs.

VS. THE BULLS:

The Bisons are 1-3 against the Bulls this season, having lost a four-game set in Durham, May 29-June 1. The Herd has not lost a season series to Durham since the 1999 season. Since then, Buffalo has five season-series wins and four splits. Overall, Buffalo is 49-43 all-time against the Bulls (.533 winning pct), including a 24-20 mark at Coca-Cola Field.

COACHING MOVE:

The Mets have promoted Bill Masse as the Bisons new Hitting Coach. Masse held that position with Binghamton (AA) and led the B-Mets to the 4th highest team average in the Eastern League (.269). Prior to 2009, Masse compiled a 610-560 record as a minor league manager. He made the playoffs in four of his last five years, a stretch that began with a Florida State League title with the Tampa Yankees in 2004. Former Bisons Hitting Coach Luis Natera has been transferred to Binghamton. Also this week, Bisons Coach Bobby Malek became the hitting coach for the Rookie Kingsport Mets.

ROSTER MOVE:

The Bisons have activated OF Chip Ambres today. Ambres was acquired by the Mets from Boston yesterday after hitting .259 (48-185) with three home runs and 18RBI in 52 games with Pawtucket (AAA). Ambres is coming off a career year, hitting .279 with 22 homers and 77RBI with Portland (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League. To make roster room, OF Matt Watson was transferred to Binghamton (AA).

BULLY FOR THE PEN:

RHP Adam Bostick has not allowed a run in three outings (5.0IP) since joining the Herd. RHP Elmer Dessens has converted his last eight save opportunities. His eight saves are T6th most in the International League. LHP Jon Switzer has made six consecutive scoreless appearances for Buffalo. He has allowed just one hit and struck out seven in his last 5.0 innings. RHP Tim McNab has allowed just one run in his last 12.2 innings.

MEET THE METS:

Philadelphia’s Chase Utley homered twice, including a solo shot in the 11th inning, as the Phillies defeated the Mets (30-26) last night, 5-4. The loss drops New York back to three games behind the Phils for 1st in the N.L. East. David Wright and former Bisons catcher Omir Santos each had three hits in the loss. The Mets host the Phillies again tonight at 7:10 at Citi Field.