Herd Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

Today, the Buffalo Bisons host the Syracuse Chiefs in the third game of a four-game series from Coca-Cola Field (1:05 p.m.). The Herd needs a win this afternoon and tomorrow to earn a split of the four-game series. Syracuse has won the first two games, 4-0 and 6-5. After this series, the Bisons will head to Rochester for a two-game set against the Red Wings.

CRAZY EIGHTS:

INF Michel Abreu and OF Fernando Martinez both drove in runs in yesterday’s loss. For each, the RBI was their eighth of the season as the sluggers remained tied atop the team’s charts. So far this season, Abreu has hit .417 (5-12) with runners in scoring position. Both of his homeruns this season have come with runners in scoring position as well.

SOLID RELIEF:

LHP Ken Takahashi pitched another scoreless inning of relief yesterday. The southpaw has not allowed a run since Opening Day and is working on 10 consecutive innings of scoreless relief (over five games). If Takahashi had one more third of an inning pitched, his 0.77ERA would qualify as the 3rd lowest mark in the International League.

F-MART: OF Fernando Martinez still tops all International League hitters with his eight doubles on the season. He is now 3rd in the IL in extra-base hits with 10. Martinez has hit in nine of his last 11 games with the Bisons, averaging .298 (14-47).

SPEED LIMIT:

The Bisons’ catchers lead the International League in both times caught stealing (9) and percentage (45%). The Herd has allowed just 11 stolen bases in 20 attempts by its opponents.

IN LIKE A LAMB: The Mets signed INF Mike Lamb to a minor league contract yesterday. Lamb has hit .277 with 69 homeruns and 345RBI over nine major league seasons. He will report to extended spring training in Port St. Lucie, FL before being assigned to the Bisons.

OH NELLY: The New York Mets have also re-signed RHP Nelson Figueroa to a minor league deal. Figueroa posted a 3.00ERA in two starts for the Bisons this year before being promoted by the Mets on April 18. Figueroa was 0-1 with a 4.50ERA in one start with New York (6.0IP, 5H, 3R, 3ER, 2BB, 3K).