BPO night memories
Be sure to join us later this evening for our live blog off the Bisons-Rochester game, expected to be played in front of close to a full house in Coca-Cola Field. For now, enjoy a look back at some of the moments that stand out on past Independence Eve with the BPO nights in Coca-Cola Field:
1997 -- High winds cancel the postgame fireworks after a loss to Louisville so the team reschedules that part of the show for July 14. Lured mostly by the pyrotechnics, a crowd of more than 19,000 shows up on a Monday night and is rewarded with Jeff Manto's memorable three-home run game against the Iowa Cubs.
1998 -- One night after blowing an eight-run lead but still pulling out a 17-16 win over Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, the Bisons post an 8-7 win over the Red Barons. That gives them a franchise-record 37 runs over three games, a mark that still stands.
2001 -- The Bisons are blown out by Rochester, 11-1, in a game more memorable for Jaret Wright's outburst against fans behind the Buffalo dugout as he was pulled to a chorus of boos after allowing nine runs in 2 2/3 innings.
2004 -- The Bisons overcome a seven-run deficit for the fourth time in their championship season as they stun Syracuse, 9-8. The win is secured in a three-run eighth that featured Grady Sizemore's RBI triple and run-scoring doubles by Jhonny Peralta and Russell Branyan.
2005 -- Jeremy Guthrie pitches seven innings of three-hit ball in a 10-1 rout of Ottawa.
2006 -- Ben Francisco extends his hitting streak to 19 games, Guthrie goes seven innings again and gets support from a five-run first in a 7-1 win over Rochester.
2008 -- The Bisons and Red Wings battle for 4 hours, 29 minutes before Rochester finally pulls out a 7-6 victory on Trevor Plouffe's solo home run in the top of the 13th. Buffalo scores four runs in the bottom of the ninth to wipe out a 6-2 deficit and make it a long night for fans, fireworks watchers and musicians alike. The fireworks show doesn't wrap up until 11:58 p.m.
---Mike Harrington
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