Buffalo Game Notes

*Please note: C Mike Nickeas has been activated off the Bisons DL and transferred to Binghamton (AA).

TODAY’S GAME:

This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Charlotte Knights in the third game of a four-game series from Knights Stadium (2:15 p.m.). The Herd has won the first two games of the set by a combined score of 15-4. Buffalo is now on a season-high four-game win streak and has also won seven of nine games. After tomorrow, the Bisons will travel to Gwinnett to face the G-Braves for the first time ever, June 23-26. vs.

THE KNIGHTS:

The Bisons are 2-0 against Charlotte this year and have won six of their last eight games against the Knights, dating back to last year. Since rejoining the International League in 1998, the Bisons are an even 45-45 against the Knights.

OH NELLY:

RHP Nelson Figueroa has been the Bisons most consistent pitcher all year. The veteran has allowed more than two runs in only two of his 10 starts this year. In his last three outings, Figueroa is 2-0 with a 1.69ERA, having allowed just four runs in his last 21.1 innings of work. In his last performance, Figueroa struck out a season-high nine in a 126-pitch effort against Durham on June 13. Figueroa’s 2.90ERA is the 11th lowest in the International League.

F-MART RETURNS:

OF Fernando Martinez picked up right where he left off yesterday. In his first game since a three-week big league promotion, Martinez was 2-4 with two runs scored. He also hit his team-leading 16th double on the season. With 26 extra-base hits, Martinez’s .556 slugging percentage is 3rd in the IL. He also enters today’s game on an eight-game hit streak (.383, 13-34).

CLUTCH ADDITIONS:

Some recent roster additions have really boosted the Bisons clutch hitting. Since joining the Herd, OF Emil Brown has hit .429 (3-7) with a homer and four RBI with runners in scoring position. INF Javier Castillo has hit .444 (4-9) with a homer and five RBI and OF Chip Ambres has averaged .308 (4-13) and three RBI in the same situation.

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.