(Pawtucket, RI) Chris Richard hustled to beat out a potential double-play ball in the ninth, capping a four-run rally in a 5-4 win Sunday at Pawtucket.Richard, who just came back a week ago from a hamstring injury, beat out a relay throw on what would have been a 3-6-3 DP for his team-high 37th RBI.
The rally started when John Jaso was hit by an 0-2 pitch from Hunter Jones (0-1). Ray Olmedo singled to left, and Brandon Chaves doubled to left to make it a 4-2 game. Justin Ruggiano, pinch-hitting for Craig Albernaz, walked to load the bases. Jon Weber hit a sac fly to center to cut the deficit to 4-3. Henry Mateo then singled to left to re-load the bases and Marcus McBeth came in.
Ray Sadler then grounded to third, but Travis Denker misplayed it, and the game was tied at four on the error. Richard then beat out the double-play ball for the lead.
Winston Abreu earned his 10th save despite walking two in the ninth. Chaves made a leaping grab on a Freddy Guzman line drive to help Abreu, who struck out Denker to end the game. Denker had delivered a three-run double in the seventh for a 4-1 lead, capping a four-run rally.
Calvin Medlock (1-0) earned the win with a scoreless eighth, his first appearance since he came back up from Montgomery. Durham outhit Pawtucket 10-4, as Henry Mateo led the way with three singles.
The Bulls (36-21), 1-1 on an eight-game road trip, and tied for first in the South Division with Norfolk, visit Pawtucket again on Monday. Wade Davis starts for Durham. Coverage on 99.9 the Fan ESPN Radio begins at 6:55 with first pitch at 7:05.
• Discuss this story on the International League message board...
• Digg this story
• Add to Del.icio.us
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.