Triple-A World Series Notes -- Game 1

Daryle Ward hit a pair of two-run home runs as the New Orleans Zephyrs beat the Buffalo Bisons 7-2 in Game 1 of the Triple-A World Series at Cashman Field. Ward, the son of former major leaguer Gary Ward, accounted for the game's first four runs. He opened scoring with a homer in the first inning and keyed a five-run fifth inning with his second blast. Zephyrs starting pitcher John Halama went the distance. He gave up four hits and struck out nine. He retired 19 of the first 21 batters he faced. Bisons third baseman Russell Branyan broke up Halama's shutout in the seventh inning with a two-run homer. World Series officials hoped for 5,000 fans Monday night, but got only 4,142. "We're pleased," Intenational League president Randy Mobley said. "But would we be happy with this next year? Absolutely not." Mobley and his colleagues have conceded this year's attendance and financial results because they got a late start promoting the series. ... Over half the crowd left at the conclusion of the seventh inning after a drawing to give away over 500 Beanie Babies. ... At the Pacific Coast and International Leagues' insistance, there is no legal wagering on World Series games. ... A temporary video replay screen was brought to Cashman Field from South Dakota. The 11-foot by 16-foot, high-definition screen, suspended to the right of the scoreboard by a crane. ... Buffalo's roster was raided on the eve of Game 1. The parent Cleveland Indians called up the Bisons' top home run and RBI man in outfielder Alex Ramirez (.299, 34 HRs, 103 RBIs) and their ace pitcher in left-hander Jason Jacome (14-2, 3.26). ... Game 1 attracted some baseball luminaries. Hall-of-Fame pitchers Rollie Fingers and Ferguson Jenkins showed up as honorary captains of the PCL and IL, respectively. Former New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds and Baltimore Orioles manager Davey Johnson sat behind home plate.

Upcoming games

The best-of-5 World Series continues tonight at 8, as the Bisons send left-hander Mike Matthews (0-0, 4.50) to the mound against Zephyrs left-hander Derek Root (0-1, 5.40). The series takes a day off Wednesday in an attempt to imitate a real postseason tournament and accommodate ESPN2's schedule. On Thursday, the Bisons will start right-hander Willie Martinez (0-0, 0.00) against former Las Vegas Stars right-hander Bob Scanlan (2-0, 0.50). All pitching stats are from the postseason. The pitching matchups are undetermined for the "if necessary" games.

By Tim Graham

Attendance

Monday's crowd: 4,142.

Series total: 4,142 (one game).

Average per date: 4,142.

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