Bats Beat Bulls 2-0
September 15, 2023 - International League (IL)
Durham Bulls News Release
DURHAM, NC - Bulls right fielder Raimel Tapia ripped two hits, while Bats second baseman Alejo Lopez collected a game-high three hits and drove in both runs, with starting pitcher Christian Roa firing five scoreless innings and recording twelve of Louisville's twenty one strikeouts in their 2-0 victory over Durham in front of a paid attendance of 9,874 on Friday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
Durham's defeat along with Lehigh Valley's victory over the Rochester Red Wings narrows the Bulls' first place lead in the second half standings to two games with eight regular season contests left to play. The Norfolk Tides will host the second half winner in a three-game playoff series from September 26-28 to determine the International League Champion.
It was a scoreless draw until the fifth, when the Bats plated the only two scores of the contest on Lopez's two-run single to center. Durham placed the tying run on base in the ninth, with 3B Austin Shenton representing the winning run, however the Bulls were unable to erase the deficit.
Tapia (2-5, 1 2B) was the lone Bulls batter to tally two or more hits. Lopez (3-3, 2 RBI, 1 BB) was joined by DH Henry Ramos (2-4) in recording a multi-hit effort. Durham's defeat also snapped the club's six-game win streak, with the Bulls having won 11 of their 12 September contests prior to Friday night.
Roa (5.0 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 5 BB, 12 SO) earned his first victory with the Bats, fanning 12 batters over his five shutout innings of work, with Bats relievers Kevin Herget (1.0 IP, 1 BB, 2 SO), Casey Legumina (1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 BB, 1 SO), Alex Young (1.0 IP, 3 SO) and Tony Santillan (1.0 IP, 2 H, 3 SO) combining for the final four scoreless frames. Durham starter Jacob Lopez (5.0 IP, 5 H, 2 R, 1 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) suffered the loss as Josh Fleming (1.0 IP, 1 H, 1 SO) and Michael Mercado (3.0 IP, 2 H, 6 SO) combined to keep the deficit to two with their four shutout innings.
The two teams are scheduled to face off again on Saturday evening for Durham's final night home at the DBAP in 2023, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. RHP Carlos Garcia is expected to get the nod for the Bulls and is slated to be opposed by RHP Michael Mariot.
Tickets for that game and all remaining 2023 Durham Bulls home games are available, and can be purchased at DurhamBulls.com, or by calling 919.956.BULL.
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