Bisons' struggles carry to Beijing

There are no boundaries to the Bisons' season of frustration. They struggle here, they struggle in Pawtucket, they struggle in Durham and now they struggle in China. Yes, a tough Olympic debut for Buffalo reliever Jeff Stevens cost the United States a victory in Team USA's opening 8-7 loss to Korea today.

The U.S. scored three runs in the top of the ninth to take a one-run lead before Stevens handed the game over. Stevens (0-2, 4.00 ERA in 17 outings in Buffalo) gave up a leadoff double, but his errant pickoff throw to first was the inning's most costly play. With a runner on first with one out, Stevens turned to attempt to pick off the runner. But seeing that U.S. first baseman Matt Brown was not looking, he tossed it high and down right-field line. The Korean runner advanced to third before an ensuing sacrifice fly ended the game.

“We came back against their closer; they came back against our closer,” United States manager Davey Johnson told reporters. “It was just one of those nights.”

Seems like the players took the loss hard, from reading a few accounts of the game -- nobody who played apparently stopped by the designated interview zone. But the loss is not devastating. Korea is considered one of the better clubs in the eight-team field. And to advance, the U.S. needs only to finish in the top four after playing the other six nations.

Still, there is little time to fribble, and it will be interesting to see if USA manager Davey Johnson goes back to Stevens in a closing situation, particularly with the relievers before Stevens throwing 3 2/3 perfect innings.

(AP Photo: Stevens throwing in the ninth)

--- David Briggs