Buffalo Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Charlotte Knights in the first game of a four-game set from Coca-Cola Field (7:05 p.m.). The Herd and Knights split a four-game series (June 19-22) in Charlotte. Buffalo took the first two games by outscoring Charlotte 15-4, but the Knights evened the series behind two, one-run victories.

KNIGHT’S NIGHT:

RHP Brandon Knight gets the start tonight for the Herd looking to bounce back from a rough outing against Charlotte his last time out, when he gave up seven earned runs in four innings. However, the last time Knight toed the rubber at Coca-Cola Field he delivered a 109-pitch (80 strike) complete game against the Durham Bulls, allowing just one run on six hits. The veteran leads the Bisons pitching staff with 68 strikeouts on the year.

HITTIN’ HERD:

The Bisons pounded out 16 hits on Friday night to tie a season high they set on June 19 against the Knights. Buffalo hit .305 as a team and averaged 5.3 runs/game over their recent eight-game roadtrip. The Herd has come alive in the month of June, posting a .275 (213-775) team batting average in the month. That’s 2nd best in the IL behind only Rochester (.284).

SCORING EARLY:

The Bisons scored in the 1st inning in five of the eight games on their recent roadtrip (10 total 1st inning runs). The Herd won four of the five games in which they plated a runner in the first inning. Buffalo has scored 38 first inning runs this year, the most in any inning.

FELICIANO FEELIN’ IT:

OF Jesus Feliciano has been the Bisons most consistent hitter all season. Feliciano has hit safely in 24 of his last 29 games since May 23. During this stretch, he has averaged .374 (40-107) with eight doubles, 19 RBI and 19 runs scored. The solid month stretch has raised Feliciano’s average 53 points to .313, which is currently 6th best in the International League.

ROSTER MOVES:

The Bisons have added INF Wilson Valdez and LHP Jon Switzer to their active roster. Both players were designated for assignment by the Mets. Valdez hit .208 (5-24) in 11 games with New York after being acquired in a trade with Cleveland. Switzer posted an 8.10ERA in four games (3.1IP) with New York after beginning the 2009 campaign with the Herd.