Two games and two different ways to win. Buffalo trailed 2-0 before coming back to take a brief lead and then head to the ninth knotted at three. As Torey Lovullo told us, “our goal is to make pitchers work deep into counts when we’re at the plate.” And the hitters abide.

Following a Ben Francisco leadoff single in the ninth, Jordan Brown and Ryan Mulhern work walks to load the bags and the pressure was on Norfolk. Brad Snyder came to the plate with one down and lined a sac fly to center to easily score Francisco from third. Edward Mujica came out of the pen – easy as 1,2,3 in home half of the ninth. Buffalo win.

Here are some interesting numbers over the first two games that illustrate how strong the Buffalo lineup has been so far.

• Hits: 22 (five extra base hits and no home runs, yet)
• Runs: 13
• Ave. with RISP: .269 (7-26)
• Walks: 10

Game 3 of the series is tonight in Norfolk. Pregame at 6:55, first pitch at 7:15 and it looks like we’ll have to battle showers (100% chance) but hopefully we can avoid a getaway day twin bill tomorrow.

Johnny Drama said it best, “Victory” and every team likes to have the pressure of getting the first “W” posted on the year. Despite the cold and damp conditions the Herd thundered to a convincing 9-4 win.
Game Story

Box Score

Nothing out of the ordinary from the ballgame last night, although it was surprising the Tides out hit the Bisons, but you would have never guessed it watching the game. Be sure to hear Aaron Laffey and Torey Lovullo’s comments following the game on the righthand side of the game story page.

The final preparations have been made. Now it’s time to play the games.
The Bisons stopped in Buffalo for a pair of workouts with the season set to begin on Thursday in Norfolk against the Triple-A affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles (7:15 p.m.). Herd manager Torey Lovullo leads a talent group of players that he’s referred to as a “lethal mix” of top prospects and established veterans.

“Inside the Herd” was there for the team’s first workout and caught up with Lovullo and a few players to talk about the upcoming year. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE FEATURE.

Remember, “Inside the Herd” will feature several video features throughout the season, giving Bisons fans an inside look at their favorite players. There have already been several features this year. CLICK HERE to view all the “Inside the Herd” features.

The blog has been idle over the weekend in large part because those boxes don’t pack themselves, my friends. Thanks to the few of you that have sent ‘well wishes’ with the move Tuesday.

Here comes the Herd… The Bisons’ clubhouse has been open for business the last two days and the players have been coming in while trying to arrange their lives before hitting the road. In a lot of ways, they’re like anyone who moves to a new city during a job change. Get in, get settled, get cable, print directions to the ballpark, find food… all that stuff. Nothing official for the club today.

Team workouts are scheduled Tuesday and Wednesday with lots of web features coming here and from the Bisons.com team.

Back to packing.

Some are good and some are bad.

The numbers game bumped Ben Francisco off the team’s Opening Day roster heading into the last day of Big League camp. 

Dubbed “The Franchise” by the Bisons faithful, he’s another tough out in the order for skipper Torey Lovullo. He’ll be welcomed with open arms by the fans with the incredible numbers he’s posted in the last two years playing for Buffalo.  In short, team MVP one year and the International League’s batting champ the next makes it bittersweet for a guy that needs to keep getting AB’s so he keeps stinging the ball and is ready for his next opportunity to jump back up with the Big Club. 

Eric Wedge admitted today in Winter Haven, FL that not keeping the outfielder and Josh Barfield were among the toughest decisions made this spring.  As tough as it was the number of quality players stockpiled this season in Buffalo have to provide some level of comfort for the Tribe. 

Later in the day, Jason Tyner was re-assigned to minor league camp and the Bisons played Richmond to a 1-1 tie.