Bats Fall to Bulls in 16, 3-2
Published on July 18, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Louisville Bats News Release
Louisville, KY - The Louisville Bats lost game three of their four game series with the Durham Bulls 3-2 in 16 innings at Louisville Slugger Field in front of 10,609 fans. On an unusually cool night for July the offense for both teams matched the weather. Kevin Barker had a nice night at the plate going 3-4 with a home run and a double.
Bats starter Ben Jukich dominated the Bulls throughout the night surrendering only two hits through eight innings. The two hits proved costly though as both reached the seats. He finished the night going eight innings, allowing two hits, two runs, two walks, and struck out six. This was the first time he had gone eight innings since July 30, 2008 in a game played in Charlotte against the Knights. At one point he had retired twelve straight Bulls.
The Bats got the scoring started on the sixteenth home run of the season by Barker in the fourth inning. They also threatened in the fifth inning. Wes Bankston started the frame with a double but was left stranded by two consecutive nice defensive plays by the Bulls.
Durham tied the game in the top of the seventh inning. Matt Joyce played the role of spoiler ending the no-hit bid and shutout for Jukich with one swing of the bat. Joyce's home run went a distance of 459 ft. and is tied for the seventh longest home run in Louisville Slugger Field History. An inning later the Bulls took the lead for good thanks to Elliot Johnson's fifth home run of the season. Johnson entered the at-bat hitting under .100 and was 0-18 on the season against left-handed pitchers.
Louisville rallied in the ninth to tie the game. Barker smacked a ground-rule double to left with one out. Darnell McDonald then followed with a double over the centerfielder's head to score Barker and tie the game at two.
Durham's half of the 16th inning got started on a fielding error by Chris Valaika. Following a sacrifice bunt, Johnson lined a double down the right field line which proved to be the winning hit.
James Houser got the start for Durham lasting seven innings and only giving up four hits, and a run. He struck out three to go with one walk. Dale Thayer was charged with the blown save.
The four game series with Durham wraps up tomorrow night at 6:15 p.m. Kip Wells (0-0, 1.69) will make his first start for Louisville and Matt DeSalvo (0-3, 6.75) will get the ball for Durham.
International League Stories from July 18, 2009
- Norfolk victorious over Charlotte - Norfolk Tides
- Bats Fall to Bulls in 16, 3-2 - Louisville Bats
- Indians prevail over Pawsox in extras - Indianapolis Indians
- Bulls edge Louisville in 16, 3-2 - Durham Bulls
- NFL's Albert to sign autographs at Frontier Field Monday - Rochester Red Wings
- Bisons Game Notes for July 18 - Buffalo Bisons
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