Photos: As MLB takes a break, Buffalo Bisons' schedule marches on
Bisons fans who haven't been able to get a close-up look at their team this season because its home games are in Trenton, N.J., have had a couple of recent chances during a pair of series against the Rochester Red Wings in Frontier Field.
The Herd went 5-1 against the Wings there last month but only went 2-3 in last week's series that ended with Sunday's game being rained out. Four of the five games were tight, with Buffalo losing a pair of one-run affairs and posting its two wins via ninth-inning rallies, including a Tyler White home run that turned a 2-1 deficit into a 3-2 victory in the series opener.
The Bisons were off Monday and there is no All-Star break in Triple-A this year. So while MLB stages its Midsummer Showcase in Denver, the Bisons will be opening a 12-game homestand Tuesday night in Trenton against Lehigh Valley.
In their first year managed by former Buffalo utility man Casey Candaele, the Bisons are 33-24 overall – including an 18-12 mark in Trenton. They are third in the Northeast Division of Triple-A East, a half-game behind second-place Worcester and four games behind division-leading Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
But the season is still not even at the halfway mark as Major League Baseball announced earlier this month that the Triple-A campaign will be extended by 10 games for a total of 130. That means the Bisons will play until Oct. 3, the same day that MLB's season concludes and by far the latest date of their post-1985 modern era.
There are no playoffs in Triple-A this year, just the crowning of division champions and a Triple-A East champion based on best overall record.
What's uncertain is when – or if – the Bisons play in Sahlen Field this season. That depends on the Toronto Blue Jays getting clearance from the Canadian government to return home for games in Rogers Centre. The Jays resume play in Buffalo on Friday night against the Texas Rangers.
– Mike Harrington
Barb Korn displays her tickets for the Buffalo Bisons and the Rochester Red Wings.
"Horsehide," a sculpture of a horse that is entirely made up of old baseball gloves stands in the concourse at Frontier Field.
Beer taps in the concourse at Frontier Field, home of the Rochester Red Wings.
Baseball fans enter as the gates open at 6 p.m. before the game between the Buffalo Bisons and Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field.
Alex Gahan enjoys a sip of beer at Frontier Field.
Brandy Hummel is pictured with her children, Sadie and Gus, and Rochester Red Wings mascots of Luke Easter and Cal Ripken Jr.
Ben Storer plays the trombone for the Flower City Pride Band in the concourse on Pride Night.
Baseball fans enjoy a beverage at the 10th Inning stand at Frontier Field.
A baseball fan eats mini melts in a baseball helmet prior to the Bisons vs. Red Wings game.
Historical Rochester baseball banners hang in the concourse at Frontier Field.
Buffalo Bisons player Nash Knight visits with his son Dane prior to playing the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field.
Buffalo Bisons pitcher Zach Logue warms up prior to playing the Rochester Red Wings.
Kyla Minx acknowledges the crowd after throwing out the first pitch on Pride Night.
A Buffalo Bisons hat is perched atop a baseball glove prior to a recent game at Rochester's Frontier Field.
Buffalo Bisons player Kevin Smith breaks his bat during the first inning.
Buffalo Bisons starting pitcher Zach Logue throws during the first inning.
Buffalo Bisons player Kevin Smith tosses a foul ball to a fan during the second inning.
Casey Candaele has the Bisons one game out of first place in his first season as Buffalo's manager
Buffalo Bisons outfielder Breyvic Valera (21) is congratulated by manager Casey Candaele, right, after scoring a run during a game last week in Rochester.
An overall view as the Buffalo Bisons play the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field.
Buffalo Bisons player Alejandro Kirk bats against the Rochester Red Wings.
Baseball fans look on from the grass as the Buffalo Bisons play the Rochester Red Wings at Frontier Field.
All teams will play five home games and five road games from Sept. 22-Oct. 3.
Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the Toronto Blue Jays played their games in Buffalo's Sahlen Field, home of the Buffalo Bisons, for their 2020 s…
Buffalo improved to 27-19 on the season and is a season-high eight games over .500.
There will be 10 more games added to the schedule, which now wraps up Oct. 3.