IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Boyd Strong, But Bisons Fall 2-1 to Knights

Published on June 14, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


The sun was finally shining by the time Matt Boyd debuted with the Bisons, but Charlotte still found a way to rain on his parade. The hyped Blue Jays prospect was called up for his first-ever game at Triple-A, but his stellar debut was spoiled by the Knights and a former Bisons' hurler.

Buffalo was unable to capture the four-game sweep against Charlotte, dropping Sunday's matchup 2-1 at Coca-Cola Field in a game that started three hours past its original start time due to inclement rain. Buffalo's red-hot offense produced one run in the first inning, but failed to produce anything after that in support of Boyd's solid start.

"He knows how to pitch. He knows how to move the fastball around," said manager Gary Allenson. "[He has a] pretty good changeup. [He] didn't get flustered. Obviously, deserved a win and didn't get one today."

Boyd began his day shaky, but was able to settle down once the first-inning jitters were out of his system. In the first inning, Boyd gave up one unearned run, hit a batter and committed a throwing error on a pickoff attempt.

"Nerves were going a little bit, and it showed in the first inning," Boyd said. "Kind of shot myself in the foot there."

The rest of his game proved why he is a top prospect in the Blue Jays organization.

Over the next six innings, Boyd gave up only five hits and one run while striking out seven in the stretch. The southpaw's lone earned run came in the fourth inning. Caleb Gindl made an impressive catch hit by Matt Tuiasosopo just short of the wall in left field for the second out in the fourth. In the next at-bat, Trayce Thompson sent a ball to a near-identical spot, but the ball carried over the left field fence for a solo home run and broke the 1-1 tie.

"That was the only mistake, but I'll take two runs in seven innings out every time," Allenson said regarding the homerun. "He'll be really successful at whatever level he's at, but we couldn't do anything off one of our former teammates today."

Former Bison Kyle Drabek recorded the victory on Sunday. He went seven innings while only allowing one run on six hits. He also added four strikeouts to his impressive start.

Boyd finished his day with the loss, but also finished with seven innings and allowed two runs (one earned), no walks and recorded eight strikeouts.

Buffalo had multiple opportunities to drive in runs, but failed to do so past the first inning. The Herd produced two base runners past the fifth inning and only recorded seven hits throughout the game. TheBisons began a comeback attempt in the ninth inning, but failed to produce the tying run. Buffalo had runners on second on third with one out, but two fly balls to right field ended the comeback attempt.

"It was a little tough to get the one run," Allenson said. "We've been scoring lately and been getting some key hits, but we didn't get any today. So we move on."

Luke Scott doubled off the left field wall in the bottom of the first inning to score the first and only run for the Bisons on Sunday. He also added a hit in the ninth inning and finished the game going 2-for-4.

Check out the Buffalo Bisons Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from June 14, 2015


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