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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Game Notes - Indianapolis at Buffalo (6:05 p.m.)

April 13, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


Buffalo Bisons (2-2, 3rd(-1.5), North) vs. Indianapolis Indians (4-3, 2nd(-1.0), West)

Friday, April 13, 2018 (6:05 p.m.) - Coca-Cola Field

RHP Chris Rowley (NR) vs. RHP Alex McRae (0-0, 2.45)

Radio: ESPN 1520 AM, Bisons Radio Network

Today's Game

The Bisons and Indianapolis will play game two of their four game series, part of a seven-game homestand for the Herd. Chris Rowley makes his first start of the 2018 season, after a successful year in 2017 that saw his first promotion to the Major Leagues in August. Buffalo will look to rebound after a one-run loss to the Indians on Thursday in the team's home opener.

About Last Night

The Herd outhit Indy on Thursday afternoon, and had the winning run in scoring position, but was not able to drive him in, losing to the Indians 2-1. Sam Gaviglio made his Bisons' debut on the mound, working 4.1IP. A rain delay of 1:39 halted the game in the top of the fifth inning scoreless. Teoscar Hernandez smacked his second HR of the season to cut the Buffalo deficit to one run, 2-1, the eventual final score. Indy's two runs came in the top of the sixth inning.

Indianapolis (1-0)

Tyler Eppler received a no decision in his four inning start against the Bisons on Thursday. The right hander allowed three hits before rain delayed the game, forcing the Indy bullpen to take over when the game resumed. Jose Osuna homered, and Christopher Bostick's RBI triple gave the Indians a 2-0 lead in the sixth inning, on their way to a 2-1 win. Brian Esposito is in his first year as manager in Indy. He managed the West Virginia Black Bears last season to a 40-35 record. That club is also part of the Rich Baseball Operations team.

Opening Day

The Bisons are now 19-12 all time in Coca-Cola Field Home Openers, including 5-2 since the 2012 season. Despite their long-standing rivalry, Thursday was only the second time the Herd has hosted Indy for their home opener at Coca-Cola Field. On April 8, 1996, the American Association Bisons defeated the Indians 4-0 behind RHP Albie Lopez.

Chris Rowley

RHP Chris Rowley will make his first start of 2018, after making his Triple-A debut last season with The Herd. The West Point graduate was 3-5 with a 2.66ERA for the Bisons in 12 appearances, including eight starts. Originally signed as a free agent in 2013, Rowley did not play in the Minors in 2014 or 2015 while fulfilling his active duty service upon graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. Rowley was a member of the GCL Blue Jays in 2013 prior to deployment, and re-joined the Blue Jays organization in 2016. He spent time among three levels of the Minors in 2017, before his Major League debut.

Dwight Smith Jr.

Second-year Bisons OF Dwight Smith Jr. has settled into the leadoff spot for the team nicely. The Peachtree City, GA native went 1-3 on Thursday with a walk. He also hit two home runs in Pawtucket, putting him in a tie for the team lead, in addition to his six RBIs that also lead the Bisons. Smith Jr. has started in left field in all four of The Herd's games this season defensively.

Blue Jays Update

Toronto has a scheduled off day in Cleveland on Thursday following their series victory in Baltimore. The Jays have won both series on their nine-game road trip, taking two out of three from the Rangers and Orioles. Former Bisons' starter Marcus Stroman starts tonight against Cleveland, with the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.

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