The Buffalo Bisons went from playing the second worst team in the International League to playing the second best.
After going 2-2 against the Toledo Mud Hens, who are just 39-59 overall, the Herd opens a four-game series with the Charlotte Knights tonight. The Knights, the Triple-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox, have the second best mark in the league at 56-44, leading the IL South.
Bison manager Wally Backman was not happy with his club on Thursday despite their 9-8 walk-off win.
"I really feel that we played down to the level of this team," Backman said after the win over Toledo. "I think they’re a last place team and I feel that we played down to them. We had opportunities to win every single game. We won the game. I’m happy about that but a split is almost unacceptable for us playing a team that we know we should come out and beat."
The Herd will try to play up to its competition. The Bisons are 51-48 and four games back or the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs in the IL North.
Collin McHugh will start for the Herd. He has yet to record a decision at Coca-Cola Field though he is 1-2 with the Bisons with a 4.55 ERA.
Tonight's Bison lineup:
Matt den Dekker -- CF
Oswaldo Navarro -- SS
Adam Loewen -- 1B
Zach Lutz -- 3B
Josh Satin -- 2B
Valentino Pascucci -- DH
Matt Tuiasosopo -- RF
Raul Reyes -- LF
Rob Johnson -- C
--- Amy Moritz
