Bisons return for home opener on Thursday
The Bisons will face Indianapolis in their home opener on Thursday. (Harry Scull Jr./The Buffalo News)
By Amy Moritz|Published Wed, Apr 11, 2018 |Updated Wed, Apr 11, 2018
The 2018 baseball season in Buffalo begins Thursday as the Bisons host the Indianapolis Indians in their home opener at Coca-Cola Field.
First pitch is scheduled for 2:05 p.m., although morning rain in the forecast could play games with the Herd's schedule. Again. Recall that the Bisons had their first three games of the season in Rochester postponed after snow and cold wreaked havoc on the Red Wings' Frontier Field.
But the Bisons are hoping that the predicted clearing happens in a timely manner as they open a seven-game homestand.
Prospects bring potential of a postseason chase for the Bisons
The festivities begin when 103-year-old Captain Sydney Cole throws out the ceremonial first pitch. Cole, a native of New York City and current resident of Buffalo, served as a pilot in the U.S. Army during World War II. He received the Purple Heart after being shot down behind enemy lines during the infamous Battle of the Bulge. He was also awarded a Bronze Star during the conflict.
10 things to know as Bisons prepare to open 2018 season
Also on tap for Opening Day, the Bisons will unveil who will replace Celery in the popular WCC Race. Celery retired last season, winning its one and only race in the second-last game of the season at Coca-Cola Field. Celery will remain at the ballpark this season, hanging out at Won Celery Way, near Section 104 to meet with fans while one of the suites has been decked out in Celery colors.
Introducing the ALL NEW Celery Suite 💚💚💚 pic.twitter.com/YCj05XxPGB
— Buffalo Bisons (@BuffaloBisons) April 11, 2018
The Bisons return to Buffalo after going 2-1 against the Pawtucket Red Sox at McCoy Stadium. The Herd won their season opener, 4-3 in 12 innings. They lost the second game, 3-1, and roared in the finale, a 14-8 win on Wednesday afternoon.
Catcher Danny Jansen is off to a hot start, hitting .545 (6 for 11) in his first three games, including two doubles and a home run. Second baseman Tim Lopes is also off to a .545 (6 for 11) start at the plate while drawing three walks. Thanks to a grand slam on Wednesday, Dwight Smith Jr. leads the team in RBIs with six on the season.
The first three games have been a slow start for first baseman Rowdy Tellez who is just 1 for 11, drawing three walks against two strikeouts.
After his first season of adversity, Tellez ready for a bounce-back year
Amy Moritz – Amy Moritz, a native of Lockport, has covered colleges, baseball and hockey for The Buffalo News since 1999. An endurance athlete, she has completed an Ironman along with numerous marathons and half-marathons.