IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Notes

May 4, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


TODAY'S GAME: Tonight, the Buffalo Bisons face the Syracuse Chiefs in the finale of a four-game series from Alliance Bank Stadium (7:00 p.m.). The Herd is looking for the series win thanks to victories on Tuesday and Wednesday over the Chiefs. On the hill for Buffalo will be RHP Brian Slocum. Slocum is coming off his best outing of 2007, striking out seven in six shutout innings in Pawtucket on Sunday. Syracuse will counter with RHP Josh Banks.

ROAD WARRIORS: At 11-4, the Bisons have the most road wins in the International League. Tonight's game is the conclusion of an eight-game road trip that the Herd has already gone 5-2 on. With a victory tonight, Buffalo can match their only other road trip this season, as the team went 6-2 at Columbus and Toledo from April 13-20.

RED HOT BAT: Franklin Gutierrez has the longest active hit streak in the International League. The outfielder has hit in 13 straight heading into today's action with a .407 (24-59) average, four doubles, two home runs, eighth RBI and 17 runs scored. Ten of the 13 games have been multi-hit performances, raising his season average to .373 (3rd in IL).

RUNS A PLENTY: In their last six games, the Bisons have outscored their opponents 49-29. On the year, the Herd has scored 126 runs, tops in the International League. Seven different Bisons have scored at least 10 runs, with Franklin Gutierrez leading the group with 18 runs scored (T3rd in the IL).

RUN PRODUCER: Infielder Keith Ginter has an RBI in each of his last five games (10RBI total). On the year, his team-leading 19RBI rank third in the International League. Ginter is also tied with Ryan Mulhern for the team lead with five home runs and is third with eight extra-base hits and a .493 slugging percentage.

ROSTER MOVES: Outfielder Ben Francisco and pitcher Nick Pesco join the Bisons today. Francisco was optioned by Cleveland after making his Major League debut as a defensive replacement on Tuesday against Toronto (no AB). Pesco has been activated from extended spring training and has yet to pitch in 2007.

RUNNING HERD: Hector Luna stole the Bisons 35th base of the season last night. The Herd has had at least one steal in each of their last eight games and is 15 of 17 stealing bases on this roadtrip. Buffalo is second in the International League in stolen bases (35) and first in stolen base percentage (87.5%).

THRUWAY SERIES: The Bisons head into tonight's Thruway Series game in second place in the Cup standings. Rochester (3-0) is in first place with the Herd (3-1) just a half game behind. Syracuse (1-6) is four games back in third place.

Brian Slocum

-Last Outing (4/29 @PAW): (W, 6.0IP, 3H, BB, 7K), Bisons' 6-0 win.

-2007 w/ Bisons: (2-1, 4.95)(4GS, 20.0IP, 18H, 11R, 11ER, 11BB, 21K).

-2006 w/ Cleveland: (0-0, 5.60)(8G, 17.2IP, 27H, 11R, 11ER, 9BB, 11K).

-2006 w/ Bisons: (6-3, 3.75)(27G, 94.0IP, 78H, 42R, 35ER, 37BB, 91K).

-Finished 3rd on Bisons in strikeouts (91), 4th in average against (.227).

-2006 as a Bisons starter: (5-1, 3.12)(15GS, 66.1IP, 58H, 29R, 23ER, 28BB, 63K).

-Selected in the 2nd round (63rd overall) of the 2002 First-Year Player Draft.




International League Stories from May 4, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central