Buffalo Bisons News: August 9 - August 15, 2024

The Buffalo Bisons, the Triple-A affiliate of the Toronto Blue Jays, have had a mixed bag of performances over the past week. Here’s a breakdown of their recent games and notable achievements.

Recent Games

- **Loss to Syracuse Mets**: The Bisons saw their four-game win streak come to an end with a 6-3 loss to the Syracuse Mets on Saturday night at Sahlen Field. Max McDowell led the offense with a solo homer, and Isiah Kiner-Falefa got his first hit with the Bisons while on injury rehab. Despite a solid outing from Beau Sulser, the Bisons couldn’t overcome the early deficit.

- **Loss to Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders**: The Bisons fell short in a 6-4 loss to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders on Tuesday night. Luis De Los Santos made an immediate impact upon his return to the lineup, but it wasn’t enough to secure a win.

Notable Performances

- **Luis Figueroa**: Figueroa has been on a tear, taking a 10-game hit streak into the team’s recent road trip. He has not only been hitting well but also drawing walks, reaching base multiple times in seven of those 10 games. His ability to get on base has been crucial for the Bisons.

- **Brian Sweeney**: Since moving to the bullpen, Sweeney has excelled. He became the first Bisons pitcher in almost two years to toss five innings in a relief appearance, blanking Columbus over five frames. His ERA in the bullpen is a stark contrast to his starting performances, showcasing his versatility and value to the team.

Team Statistics

- **Walks**: The Bisons have been doing a great job of drawing walks, ranking third in the International League with 226 walks in 67 games. Valentino Pascucci and Kirk Nieuwenhuis are among the league leaders in walks, contributing significantly to the team’s on-base percentage.

- **Friday Night Success**: The Bisons have made Friday nights a spectacle for fans, with pre-game tent parties, live music, and fireworks. They have been nearly unbeatable on these nights, losing their first Friday home game since the end of the 2009 season recently.

Upcoming Events

- **Hall of Fame Induction**: The Buffalo Baseball Hall of Fame will induct Mike Buczkowski, the longest-tenured general manager in the franchise’s history, and former Bisons infielder Brandon Phillips on August 24. The induction dinner will take place at Consumer's Pub at the Park restaurant.

The Buffalo Bisons continue to show resilience and determination, with players like Luis Figueroa and Brian Sweeney leading the charge. Despite recent losses, the team remains a force to be reckoned with in the International League. Fans can look forward to more exciting games and special events, such as the Hall of Fame induction, in the coming weeks.