Herd Game Notes

TODAY’S GAME:

This morning, the Buffalo Bisons take on against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs in the final game of a three-game series at Coca-Cola Park (10:35 a.m.). The series was originally four games but the teams couldn’t make up Monday’s rainout as doubleheaders on Tuesday and Wednesday night were both shortened to a single game due to rain. After today’s game, the Bisons will return home for the start of an eight-game homestand against the Norfolk Tides and the Gwinnett Braves.

GOSH GOLLY GEE:

RHP Dillon Gee tossed the Herd’s lone complete games of 2009 in his last outing. Gee allowed just one run on six hits on Saturday to defeat Louisville in the first game of another doubleheader. He only struck out one Bats hitter, but still has 22 punchouts in only 27.0 innings this year.

STARTIN’ STRONG:

RHP Tim Redding’s rehab start last night continued a nice stretch for the Bisons starting rotation. In the last seven games, Herd starters are 2-3 with a 1.71ERA. The group has combined to strike out 31 and walk just five in 42.0 innings of work over this recent span.

GONE STREAKIN’:

OF Jesus Feliciano now owns the Bisons longest hit streak of the season at six games. Feliciano went 1-3 last night and is now 10 for his last 21 at the plate (.476 average) since April 29. The outfielder tops the Bisons with his .312 batting average for the season.

ROSTER MOVE:

The Mets have recalled LHP Jonathon Niese. The southpaw was 0-2 with a 6.55ERA in four starts this season. He allowed just one run on three hits in six innings in his last start, May 1 against Louisville He also struck out a season-high eight batters in the start. Niese was 1-1 in three starts with New York last season.

ON THE CHARTS:

With a double and a triple last night, OF Fernando Martinez is back on top of the International League with his 16 extra-base hits. He has 11 doubles, which is also tied for the league’s best total. RHP Brandon Knight is tied for 7th in the league with his 29 strikeouts in only 25.0 innings of work. RHP Nelson Figueroa leads the entire International League with his 0.76 WHIP average (Walks and Hits/Innings Pitched).