7/27/11

Buffalo Pre-Game Notes

Buffalo Bisons  vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

RHP Chris Schwinden (6-5, 3.52) vs. RHP Lance Pendleton (3-3, 2.95)

TODAY’S GAME: This afternoon, the Buffalo Bisons host the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees in the second game of a four-game series from Coca-Cola Field (1:05 p.m.). The Herd is just 1-4 so far on this eight-game homestand that started with a series loss to Pawtucket. The Bisons begin a season-long 10-game roadtrip on Saturday night in Lehigh Valley.

VS. THE YANKEES: The Bisons are 4-6 against the Yankees this season. The teams split a four-game set at Coca-Cola Field from May 9-12 in the Yanks only other trip to Western New York. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has out-homered the Herd 13-8 in their season series this year.

SCHWING AND MISS: RHP CHRIS SCHWINDEN will make his team-high 19th start today. The Herd’s All-Star has lost two straight since the break, including on July 22 against Pawtucket (4.1IP, 4R). Schwinden’s last victory was July 6 in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre as he allowed four runs in six innings to the Yankees. Schwinden has struck out six or more in five straight starts.

FULL TANK: Last night, LHP TAYLOR TANKERSLEY became the first Bisons reliever to strike out six in an outing since LHP Mike O’Connor had that total in the first game of a doubleheader on August 21, 2010 vs. Pawtucket. The southpaw now has 58 strikeouts in only 44.0 innings of work. His 11.86 K/9.0IP ratio is second-best among all International League relievers. Mr.

VP: INF VALENTINO PASCUCCI leads the International League with 70RBI on the season. The slugger is on pace for 97RBI on the season. Only three Bisons players have every reached 100RBI in one year, most recently accomplished by OF Ernie Young in 2004. Pascucci also leads the IL in walks (57) and is 3rd with a .391 on-base percentage.

BISONS BITS: RHP CHRIS SCHWINDEN has a team-high 95 strikeouts. He could become the 16th Bisons pitcher in the modern era to fan 100 in a season today...Last night, OF MIKE BAXTER became the first Bisons player to homer in his first at-bat with the team since INF JAVIER VALENTIN on May 15, 2009. Baxter was claimed by the Mets off waivers (San Diego) on July 22.

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