Bisons notebook
Despite lifeless bats, Lovullo says he’s optimistic
By David Briggs
NEWS SPORTS REPORTER
Updated: 07/07/08 6:50 AM
Buffalo Bisons manager Torey Lovullo admitted Sunday he’s optimistic to a fault. At least concerning his team’s unresponsive offense.
“I firmly believe as soon as we get this thing rolling, it’s going to be a lineup that’s not going to be stopped,” Lovullo said. “Hitting is contagious.”
Too bad not hitting seems to be as well.
Buffalo fell to historic depths Sunday night, losing to Syracuse, 4-0, in front of 9,687 in Dunn Tire Park.
The Bisons (40-51), dropped to 11 games under .500 for the first time since partnering with Cleveland in 1995, and it came by way of another offensive disappointment. In losing their seventh straight for the first time since May 2003, the Herd banged out only four hits — three coming off the bat of catcher Chris Gimenez. Michael Aubrey had the other one.
Lovullo credited the seven-inning effort by Syracuse lefthander David Purcey (seven strikeouts), just as he did the outing by Francisco Liriano a night earlier. But ultimately, he knows the problem resides within the home clubhouse.
“I probably can’t be any more frustrated,” Lovullo said. “We’ve had meeting after meeting about what it takes.”
The Herd’s offensive struggles are staggering. They have been blanked in back-to-back games for the first time since April 2004 and have scored one run over three games for the first time since August 2003. Since scoring four runs in the bottom of the ninth to tie Thursday’s game against Rochester, Buffalo is hitting .135 (14 for 104).
Nothing new, though. The Bisons, whose .242 average is the lowest in the International League, are on pace for their worst offensive season in the modern era. The 1988 Bisons had a .256 average, the franchise‘ s previous low.
“It’s tough to watch, no doubt about it,” Lovullo said.
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Buffalo will go with a six-man bullpen for at least a week while waiting to see if former closer Rick Bauer will return. Bauer, who has saved 15 games for the Herd this year, was designated for assignment by the Indians Friday.
Lovullo said Bauer would be welcomed back if he clears waivers.
“Hopefully he clears and wants to come back and join us,” Lovullo said.
Frank Herrmann, called up for a spot start Saturday night at Rochester, was sent back to Double-A Akron Sunday. Herrmann allowed two runs over seven innings in the Bisons’ 2-0 loss Saturday.
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The Bisons will close their two-game homestand against Syracuse tonight (7:05 p. m., Radio 1520 AM) at Dunn Tire Park, with Dan Reichert (0-3, 4.50) facing Chiefs left-hander Bill Murphy (5-5, 5.03). Fireworks, rescheduled from the June 27 fog game, will be staged following the game.
