Figgy Named Pitcher Of The Week

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

July 20, 2009 Bisons’ Nelson Figueroa Named IL Pitcher of the WeekAll-Star Threw Complete-Game Shutout on Saturday

The International League today announced that Buffalo Bisons RHP Nelson Figueroa has been named the league’s Pitcher of the Week for the period of July 16-19.

It’s the second time Figueroa has been given the weekly honor by the IL, having also won Pitcher of the Week from June 8-14.

Figueroa began his week on Wednesday night as he pitched a scoreless inning for the IL in the Triple-A All-Star Game. The veteran worked a scoreless eighth inning, allowing a hit and striking out two in the IL’s 6-5 win over the Pacific Coast League.

The All-Star returned to Buffalo to throw a complete game shutout in the second game of Saturday’s doubleheader sweep of the Toledo Mud Hens. Figueroa allowed just seven hits and no walks while striking out five in the Herd’s 2-0 win. With Jonathon Niese’s shutout in game one, the Bisons had their first doubleheader shutout sweep since the 2006 season.

Figueroa’s gem lowered his season ERA to 2.32, the 2nd-lowest mark in the International League behind only Charlotte’s Carlos Torres (2.20). Figueroa has won six decisions in a row and has allowed more than two runs in only two of his 15 starts with the Bisons all year.