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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Francis Dazzles as Bisons Defeat Chiefs 3-2

July 2, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


Buffalo Bisons Pitcher Jeff Francis
Buffalo Bisons Pitcher Jeff Francis
(Buffalo Bisons)

At one point in the third inning, Jeff Francis was a base hit away from blowing an early three-run lead. He knew he had to settle in and find his groove if he wanted to be effective the rest of the night.

He was more than effective after that point - he was perfect.

The Bisons defeated the Syracuse Chiefs 3-2 behind a dazzling performance by Francis on Thursday night at Coca-Cola Field. The victory snaps the Herd's three-game losing streak. Buffalo is now 10-20 in one-run games.

Despite the stellar outing, interim manager Richie Hebner wasn't impressed by the rest of team play.

"We played a couple of games since I've been here of sloppy baseball," Hebner said. "You can't throw the ball around. We're not knocking guys in in scoring position ... [But Francis] pitched good. He pitched well the last outing too in Scranton. [He's] mixing it up well with his change-up."

The veteran southpaw entered the night with an 18-inning scoreless streak, dating back to his start on June 16 against Lehigh Valley. The streak ended on Thursday at 21 with a two-RBI double by Jason Martinson. Syracuse's double was the third consecutive hit Francis allowed, and needed to calm down and execute from that point on.

That's exactly what he did.

Francis proceeded to strike out the next three batters, and did not allow a base runner from that point on. The southpaw retired 12 straight Chiefs from the third to sixth innings, including eight strikeouts in the stretch. Francis struck out three consecutive batters in two separate occasions during his performance.

"I faced them not long ago, so you wonder what type of adjustments hitters try to make," Francis said. "I think Josh had a good handle on what guys were trying to do. He had to make a few adjustments over the course of the game, but it worked out."

Francis finished his night throwing six innings, gave up two earned runs but earned his fourth win of the season. He also added 10 strikeouts; a season-high for the Herd and tied for the season-high in all of Triple-A. Francis has yet to suffer a loss in a Bisons uniform.

In Francis' starts, the Bisons average 2.5 runs per game. And the statistics showed for itself on Thursday.

The Herd recorded eight hits, but only accumulated three runs, all of which came in the second inning in one swing of the bat. Caleb Gindl sent a three-run home run over the left field fence to take an early lead. But the three runs proved to be enough, as the Buffalo relief did its job after Francis exited the game.

Greg Burke relieved the southpaw, and pitched admirably while preserving the lead. He went 1.2 innings, struck out two and only gave up one hit in a scoreless appearance.

All-Star closer Gregory Infante allowed one hit and two walks in the final frame, but locked down his fourth save of the season. The bullpen went three innings and only allowed two hits in the victory.

The Bisons will finish its series against Syracuse on Friday before taking off on a six-day, seven-game road trip against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Rochester, respectively. Friday's game is set to begin at 6:05 p.m.

BISONS NOTES:

All-Star infielder Matt Hague went 2-for-4, extending his league-leading average to .340 ... Gindl's home run increased his current hitting streak to four games ... Manager Gary Allenson will return to the team on Friday after his team-mandated break.

Check out the Buffalo Bisons Statistics




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Buffalo Bisons Pitcher Jeff Francis
Buffalo Bisons Pitcher Jeff Francis
   



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