IL1 Louisville Bats

Bats Drop Series Finale to Bulls 6-2

Published on August 22, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release


Louisville, KY - A day after wining the International League West title, the Louisville Bats came out a little flat and dropped the series finally to the Durham Bulls 6-2 in front of a crowd of 9,867 at Louisville Slugger Field. The Bats offense was held quiet most of the night, managing only five hits and two runs as Durham starting pitcher Ben Hendrickson was at his best.

The Bats were the first team to crack the scoreboard, as they wasted no time in putting up a run in the first. With one out, centerfielder Drew Stubbs induced a walk and advanced to second when Drew Anderson grounded out. Kevin Barker then lined a two-out single into left field, scoring Stubbs and putting the Bats in front 1-0.

Durham would take control of the game in the top of the third against Bats starter Bobby Livingston. With one out, Ronnie Merrill laced a double into left and scored one batter latter when Fernando Perez doubled to center. Nathan Hayes then singled, scoring Perez and putting the Bulls ahead 2-1. With two outs and runners at first and second, Chris Richard singled on a line drive to right, scoring Hayes, making it a 3-1 ballgame. Chris Nowak joined the hit parade, recording the fifth hit of the inning for Durham, when he lined an RBI single making the score 4-1.

The Bats tried to get back into the game in the bottom half of the third when Stubbs led off with a single and stole second. Anderson then grounded out to first, allowing Stubbs to move to third with just one out. Barker picked up his second RBI of the game when he grounded out to second, scoring Stubbs and cutting the deficit to 4-2. Unfortunately for the Bats, that was the last run they could muster on the night.

The Bulls increased their lead to three runs by scoring in the top of the fifth. With no one on and two out, Richard was hit by a pitch, sending him to first base. Back-to-back singles by John Jaso and Elliot Johnson allowed Richard to come around the bases and give the Bulls a 5-2 advantage.

Durham played add-on again in the seventh when Dan Johnson led off with a single. He later scored when Nowak picked up the third of his four hits on the night and his second RBI, giving the Bulls a 6-2 final advantage.

On the mound, Hendrickson (10-2 4.54) was at the top of his game for the Bulls. Hendrickson pitched seven strong innings, giving up only four hits, and two earned runs. He also walked one and struck out seven.

For Livingston (3-3, 4.98), it just wasn't his night. He went 5.2 innings, giving up nine hits, and five earned runs. He walked two and struck out two.

The Bats will start a four-game series against the Columbus Clippers tomorrow night at Louisville Slugger Field. RHP Homer Bailey (4-7 4.58) will take the mound for the Bats and will be opposed by RHP Dennis Tankersley (9-8 4.65). First pitch is slated for 7:05 P.M with the Famous Chicken scheduled to make an appearance.

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International League Stories from August 22, 2008


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