Buffalo Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons face the Norfolk Tides in the second game of a four-game series at Harbor Park (7:15 p.m.). The Bisons struck first in the series with last night’s 4-2 victory. Buffalo is now 2-3 on their eight-game roadtrip. After Friday’s game, the Bisons will return home for an eight-game homestand against Indianapolis and Durham.

VS. TIDES:

The Bisons now lead 3-2 in the season series against the Tides. The teams split a four-game set back at Coca-Cola Field, May 8-11. Buffalo is looking for revenge as Norfolk won the season series, 4-3 in 2008. It was the only time the Bisons lost the season series to the Tides since rejoining the International League in 1998.

UNLUCKY 10:

It’s now OF Wily Mo Pena’s turn to try for a 10-game hit streak. Pena has hit in nine straight games, averaging .333 (12-36) with a double, two home runs and five RBI. Two Bisons players have already seen nine-game hit streaks end this roadtrip. OF Cory Sullivan hit .457 (16-35) in nine games before going 0-4 last night. INF Javier Valentin had a nine-game hit streak May 23-31 (.324, 11-34) before being held hitless on Monday.

THREE-FOR-THREE:

RHP Fernando Nieve is a perfect 3-0 in his first three starts with the Bisons. Nieve was promoted from Binghamton (AA) on May 18 and has given the Herd three consecutive quality starts. Nieve has struck out 18 and allowed just 13 hits in 18.1 innings of work. Right-handed batters are hitting just .125 (4-32) off him so far this season.

DONE LIKE DESSENS:

RHP Elmer Dessens has converted his last six save opportunities. On the year, the veteran has struck out 19 batters and allowed just 17 hits in 26.2 innings of work. Opponents are hitting just .183 off him.