IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Bisons Notes

June 17, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


TODAY'S GAME: Today, the Buffalo Bisons take on the Norfolk Tides in the final game of a four-game series from Harbor Park (7:15 p.m.). Today's contest will also wrap up a 10-game in nine-day roadtrip (currently 4-5) for the Herd. With a victory, the Bisons can earn a series win against Norfolk and a 5-5 split of the roadtrip. To do so, the Bisons will turn to RHP Sean Smith, who is looking to bounce back from a personal three-game losing streak. Norfolk will counter with LHP Kirk Birkins.

VS. THE TIDES: Since rejoining the International League in 1998, the Bisons have not lost a season series against the Tides. With back-to-back wins, Buffalo is now 48-25 against the Tides (.658 winning percentage). That record includes 28 wins in 40 games in Norfolk (.700 winning percentage).

MR. SMITH: RHP Sean Smith saw a memorable night turn sour in his last outing. On Monday in Richmond, he retired the first 17 batters of the game. But the Braves struck for two-out rallies in the sixth and seventh innings and Smith ended up with a losing decision. Smith still leads the Bisons in wins (5) and with three strikeouts will take over the team lead in Ks (now 41).

EVERY DAY HITTER: Outfielder Jonathan Van Every has made his presence felt on the team. Promoted from Akron on Sunday, Van Every has hit .429 (6-14) with a triple, a home run and four walks in six games. He also has a 1.341 OPS since his promotion. Van Every had two stints with Buffalo in 2006 and hit .258 with five home runs and 16RBI in 47 games.

UN-COOPED: Outfielder Jason Cooper has homered in consecutive games. Cooper has been a much better hitter on the road this season with a .292 average in 27 games away from Dunn Tire Park (.154 at home).

ALWAYS ON: Infielder Ryan Mulhern has reached base in 14 straight games, the longest active streak on the team. Since June 3, he has hit .348 (16-46) with five doubles, two home runs, six RBI and three walks.

CHART UPDATE: Outfielder Ben Francisco is 5th in the IL in average (.332), 2nd in hits (78) , T5th in doubles (18) and 6th runs scored (39). Infielder Ryan Mulhern isT6th in home runs (11), 8th in RBI (39), T3rd in doubles (20), 5th in extra-base hits (31) and 6th in slugging percentage (.548).

Sean Smith

-Last Outing (6/11 @RIC): (L, 7.0IP, 5H, 4R, 4ER, BB, 4K), Braves' 4-2 Win.

-2007 w/ Bisons: (5-4, 4.45)(12G, 9GS, 58.2IP, 61H, 30R, 29ER, 26BB, 41K).

-2007: IL Pitcher of the Week, May 14-20 (2-0, 0.79)(2G, 11.1IP, 9H, R, ER, 3BB, 11K).

-2006 with Akron: (10-5, 3.88)(25G, 144.0IP, 140H, 66R, 62ER, 45BB, 94K).

-2006 Eastern League All-Star...named to Futures Game.

-2006: Finish 5th in Indians system in wins (11) and innings pitched (169.0).

-Selected in the 16th round of the June, 2001 Draft.

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International League Stories from June 17, 2007


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