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IL1 Buffalo Bisons

Opening Day - Bisons Game Notes - Indianapolis at Buffalo (2:05 p.m.)

April 12, 2018 - International League (IL1)
Buffalo Bisons News Release


Buffalo Bisons (2-1, 3rd(-0.5), North) vs. Indianapolis Indians (2-3, T2(-1.0), West)

Thursday, April 12, 2018 (2:05 p.m.) - Coca-Cola Field

RHP Sam Gaviglio (NR) vs. RHP Tyler Eppler (1-0, 0.00)

Radio: ESPN 1520 AM, Bisons Radio Network

Today's Game

Today marks the 31st home opener in Coca-Cola Field history. The Bisons return from the road to welcome the Indianapolis Indians for a four-game series at Coca-Cola Field (2:05 p.m.). The trip marks the only time in the regular season that the Triple-A affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates will visit Downtown Buffalo. 103 year-old World War II veteran Sydney Cole will throw out the ceremonial first pitch as part of pregame ceremonies that begin at 1:35 p.m.

Opening Day

The Bisons are 19-11 all time in Coca-Cola Field Home Openers, including 5-1 since the 2012 season. Despite their long-standing rivalry, this is 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.

About Last Night

The Herd won their first series of the 2018 season, taking two out of three ballgames against the Pawtucket Red Sox. Buffalo's offense exploded for a total of 14 runs and 14 hits in the victory, capped off by an eight-run sixth inning. Dwight Smith Jr. had two hits in the win, including a grand slam in the sixth, his second home run of the season. Deck McGuire was credited with the win, throwing five innings for the Herd. He allowed five hits and six runs but struck out four.

Indianapolis (0-0)

The Indians come to town after a 4-1 win over Toledo at Victory Field. Nick Kingham recorded his first win of the season, while four different players collected an RBI. 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.

Sam Gaviglio

RHP Sam Gaviglio will make his organizational debut this afternoon with the Bisons. Gaviglio was acquired in a trade with Kansas City in March and has a total of 115 MiLB starts over his seven-year career. He made his MLB debut last season with Seattle, before joining the Royals organization. Gaviglio was originally drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the 5th Round of the 2011 FYPD out of Oregon State.

Dwight Smith Jr.

Second-year Bisons OF Dwight Smith Jr. has settled into the leadoff spot for the team nicely, hitting a pair of home runs in the series victory at Pawtucket. He also leads the team with six RBI, thanks in part to his sixth inning grand slam on Wednesday. Smith Jr. hit .273 in 2017 with the Bisons in 108 games, collecting 8 homers and 46 RBI.

Major League Experience

The Bisons roster boasts 14 players that appeared in the Major Leagues in 2017, including 10 on the Herd's pitching staff. In addition to Joe Biagini, Deck McGuire and Chris Rowley all pitched in the big leagues, and two of the team's outfielders, Dwight Smith Jr. and Ian Parmley, made their MLB debuts last season.

Blue Jays Update

Marco Estrada suffered his first defeat of the season on Wednesday in a 5-3 loss to the Baltimore Orioles. Toronto won two out of three games against their AL East opponent, and now have an off day before taking on the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field on Friday. Marcus Stroman is scheduled to start for the Jays against Mike Clevinger.

Check out the Buffalo Bisons Statistics



International League Stories from April 12, 2018


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