Braves Steal Game in the Ninth
Published on August 23, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - The Bulls rallied to overcome a four-run deficit and take an 8-6 lead into the ninth inning, but a solo home run from Brent Lillibridge and a two-run home run from Doug Clark doomed the Bulls to a 9-8 loss to the Richmond Braves in front of a sold out crowd of 10,048 on Thursday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. With the loss, the Bulls (73-58) lead over Richmond (72-57) shrinks to just half a game in the race for the South division title.
The Bulls were down by four runs entering the sixth inning, but managed to pull within one after Evan Longoria hit a solo home run and Elliot Johnson slugged a two-run home run to make the score 6-5. Justin Ruggiano then tied the game with an RBI-single to score Jason Pridie from second in the seventh inning before Jorge Velandia put the Bulls ahead with an RBI-double. Velandia advanced to third on a throwing error on the play by left fielder Brandon Jones and then scored the Bulls final run on a sacrifice fly from Jeremy Owens. The two-run cushion was not enough though as RHP Chad Orvella (3-3) was unable to hold the Bulls lead.
The Braves appeared to take control in the fourth inning after scoring four runs to take a 6-2 lead. After retiring the first batter, RHP Jae Seo surrendered three consecutive singles, with Pete Orr scoring on the third after an errant throw from first baseman Wes Bankston. Brent Lillibridge then followed with a two-RBI double and then scored on an RBI-single from Brayan Pena. The Bulls had grabbed the lead first with an RBI-single from Pridie in the first inning and a solo home run from Jorge Velandia in the second inning, but the Braves responded with two runs in the third inning as Wes Timmons hit a solo home run and Brandon Jones hit an RBI-double to tie the game at two.
Richmond starter LHP Francisley Bueno surrendered three runs on five hits and two walks while striking out eight in 5 1/3 innings in his Triple-A debut. Seo allowed six runs on 12 hits and a walk while striking out three. Johnson's home run came off RHP Royce Ring who pitched 2/3 of an inning and RHP Chad Paronto surrendered the tying run in the seventh inning. RHP Zach Schreiber (1-0) earned the win after allowing what were the Bull's go ahead runs in the eighth inning. RHP Joey Devine earned his second save of the season after striking out the side in the bottom of the ninth.
The Bulls and Braves will wrap-up the four-game series on Friday night at 7 PM at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. For tickets, go to www.durhambulls.com or call the box office at (919) 956-BULL.
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