Bisons Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Charlotte Knights in the second game of a four-game series from Knights Stadium (7:15 p.m.). The Herd took the series opener with a season-high 16 hits in a 10-3 win. Buffalo has now won six of their last eight games. This series is part of an eight-game roadtrip for the Bisons, as they will travel to Gwinnett to face the G-Braves for the first time ever, June 23-26. vs.

THE KNIGHTS:

The Bisons are 1-0 against Charlotte this year and now have won five of their last seven games against the Knights, dating back to last year. Buffalo now has the opportunity to draw even in the all-time series against the Knights. Charlotte holds the 45-44 edge over the Herd since Buffalo rejoined the International League in 1998.

NIESE-LY DONE:

LHP Jonathon Niese is coming off his best start as a Bison. The southpaw allowed just two hits in 7.1 shutout innings in a 1-0 win over Durham on June 12. Niese struck out seven and walked just three in the outing. In his last two starts, Niese is 1-1 with a 1.35ERA with 11 strikeouts to only eight hits allowed in 13.1 innings pitched.

FEELIN’ CHIPPY:

OF Chip Ambres started his Bisons career 0-8 at the plate, but has now hit in five straight games. Since June 13, Ambres has averaged .421 (8-19) with a double, two RBI, four runs scored. He reached base four times last night, including matching a Bisons’ season-high with three walks.

F-MART RETURNS:

OF Fernando Martinez is back with the Bisons after his first big league call up. The 20-year old was with the Mets for three weeks and hit .194 (12-62) with five doubles and five RBI. Martinez hit .291 (48-165) in 42 games with the Bisons to begin the year. Despite being in New York since May 26, he still leads the club in doubles (15), home runs (8) and RBI (28). To make roster room, RHP Connor Robertson was transferred to Binghamton (AA).

METS CLAIM LOPEZ:

The New York Mets have claimed LHP Arturo Lopez off waivers from San Diego. Lopez had a 2.77ERA in 20 games with the Portland Beavers (AAA) of the Pacific Coast League (31.0IP, 27H, 23K). He also pitched four games with the Padres, posting a 19.29ERA in 2.1 innings of work.