MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Bisons drub Durham, score season-high 13 runs

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June 11, 2009

By Nathan Foley The Journal-Register Thu Jun 11, 2009, 10:26 PM EDT

BUFFALO — “We got big hits with men on base, and we took advantage of their mistakes.”

Buffalo Bisons manager Ken Oberkfell summed up a 13-5 International League victory over the Durham Bulls at Coca-Cola Field on Thursday afternoon.

The Herd (18-39) came out of the gates strong, but were unable to push any runners across the plate after loading the bases with one out. The final out of the inning had a “here we go again” feel to it, as catcher Rene Rivera hit a towering shot to deep left field, only to fall into that mitt of Rashad Eldridge right in front of the wall.

New hitting coach, Bill Masse, who was called up Wednesday from AA Binghamton, tried to keep the team positive.

“The more you get guys on base, the more you are going to score," Masse said. "Just keep putting them on, putting them on, and eventually it’s going to break.”

It certainly did break, as the Herd managed to put up ten runs by the end of the fifth inning. The offense peaked in the bottom of the fifth inning, where the team batted around the order, and had six men cross the plate.

Cory Sullivan led the offense from the lead-off spot with four hits on the day. He also had two RBIs. Willy Mo Pena also had a big day at the plate, going 2 for 3, with two doubles and three RBIs.

“Everybody was relaxed,” Pena said. “We just have to be comfortable. Hopefully this was the day we were waiting for, and from now on we can keep doing it every day.”

Balanced hitting was a huge key to the game. Every Bison except for newcomer Chip Ambres had a hit, as the Herd piled up fifteen base hits against Durham pitching.

“We have been waiting for this game to come to us,” Pena said. “So from now on, we know we have to keep at it like today. We have to be patient, just wait for the pitch you want to hit. That’s what everyone did today.”

The Bisons were also able to capitalize on the Bulls’ mistakes. Durham (37-23) committed five errors in the game, including four by shortstop Ray Olmedo.

Lance Broadway started the game for Buffalo, but received a no decision after 4 1/3 innings work. He gave up three earned runs on three hits, while adding two strikeouts. Tim McNab, who came in for 2/3 of an inning, picked up the win.

The 13-run outburst was a season high. This performance came one day after hitting coach Luis Natera had to be replaced, and it might have been the jolt that the team was in need of.

“It was big today,” Oberkfell said. “We have Chip Ambres here now. He brings some energy to this ball club. There have been some changes, and there might be more changes. Today was a wake-up for some of these guys, and they went out and produced.”

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MINOR LEAGUE BASEBALL: Bisons drub Durham, score season-high 13 runs

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