Bisons Game Notes

***REMINDER: Today’s game is being played in Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY because of drainage issues at PNC Field in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.

TODAY’S GAME:

This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the second game of a two-game series at Alliance Bank Stadium in Syracuse, NY (12:00 p.m.). Buffalo has won four straight, including a sweep of a two-game series against the Pawtucket Red Sox on Thursday and Friday. This game is the final game before the International League’s three-day All-Star break.

ROADIE DETOUR:

Yesterday’s and today’s games between the Bisons and Yankees are being played in Syracuse, NY because of drainage issues at the Yankees’ PNC Field. The last time the Herd knowingly had a change in venue was September 16 & 17, 2004. Buffalo lucked out then as hurricane conditions in Richmond, VA forced the entire Governors’ Cup Championship series to be played in Buffalo. The Bisons won Games 3 and 4 as the “road” team to capture their sixth IL Championship. vs.


THE YANKS:

The Bisons are 3-6 against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre this year. The Yankees swept a four-game series from Buffalo on April 13-16, but the Herd has won three of the last five games. The Bisons hold the 94-90 (.511) advantage in the series since returning to the IL in 1998.

GREAT START:

LHP Ken Takahashi made his first start with the Bisons on Tuesday and delivered six shutout innings against the Yankees. The 40-year old rookie earned the start by posting a 0.95ERA in nine games out of the Bisons bullpen. Takahashi has allowed just one earned run in 13.1 innings of work since being optioned from the New York Mets on June 23.

HOT JAVY:

INF Javier Castillo has the longest hit streak for a Bison this year. Castillo has hit in 15 straight, averaging .386 (22-57) with three doubles, three home runs and six RBI since June 26. Castillo has now hit in 22 of 26 total games with the Bisons. With his RBI last night, the infielder has averaged .455 (10-22, 10RBI) with runners in scoring position with the Bisons.

NO REST FOR STARS:

RHP Nelson Figueroa and manager Ken Oberkfell don’t have 3 days off as both are traveling to Portland, OR for Wednesday’s Triple-A All-Star game. Figueroa has posted a 2.50ERA in 14 starts -the 5th best ERA in the International League. He leads the Herd with 5 wins.