Buffalo Bisons left-hander Jonathon Niese was named International League Pitcher of the Week today after throwing the team's first nine-inning shutout in more than five years Sunday in Rochester.

Niese's five-hitter with 10 strikeouts led the Bisons to a 5-0 victory over the Red Wings. It was the Herd's first nine-inning blanking since a four-hitter by Scott Elarton over Charlotte in 2004. Niese was 1-0 with a 1.06 ERA in two starts for the Bisons last week.

Niese has won four straight decisions and is 4-1 with a 1.04 ERA in his last six starts with 39 strikeouts. He's the second Bisons to be named IL Pitcher of the Week in the last four weeks as Nelson Figueroa earned the honor from June 8 to14.

The Bisons wrap up their series in Rochester tonight at 7 and then host Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Tuesday and Wednesday night at 7 in Coca-Cola Field.