Bulls announce rotation for playoffs
September 2, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
Durham, NC - Though the regular season doesn't officially end until after tomorrow afternoon's matinee in Charlotte, the Bulls are already putting their post-season plans in action. Just hours after the Bulls clinched their sixth division title in 10 seasons, the team announced it's rotation for the first round of the Governors' Cup Playoffs against Toledo. Left-hander J.P. Howell will take the mound for the Bulls in Game One on Wednesday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park followed by right-handers Jeff Niemann and Jae Seo on Thursday and Friday respectively.
Howell (7-8) led the Bulls starting pitchers with a 3.38 ERA and 145 strikeouts. The left-hander had a couple of stints in Tampa Bay this season, but had the most success pitching for the Durham Bulls. He is 4-3 with a 2.80 ERA in his last 10 starts with the Bulls, pitching seven or more innings in seven of those starts. Howell got the win on Friday night against the Knights allowing the Bulls to clinch their first playoff berth in three years.
Niemann (12-6) was the Bulls Pitcher of the Year this season, tying for the team lead with 12 wins. The right-hander entered the 2007 season as the top pitching prospect in the Devil Rays organization and represented the Bulls in the Major League Baseball Futures Game in July.
Seo (9-4) joined the Bulls in June and posted the second best ERA (3.64) among the Bulls' starting rotation. Seo has posted quality starts in five of his last six games, including Sunday's division-clinching win over Charlotte (7 IP, 0 R, 4 H, 1 BB, 4 K). In his last 10 starts, Seo has notched 44 strikeouts against only 6 walks.
The Bulls have not announced starters for Games Four and Five. Toledo announced their rotation will feature RHP Dennis Tankersley in Game One (10-7, 4.41) followed by RHP Jordan Tata (4-5, 3.05), RHP Eulogio De La Cruz (3-0, 3.18) and RHP Jeremy Johnson (3-3, 3.23). They also have not announced a starter for Game Five.
Durham and Toledo meet for Games One and Two of the Governors' Cup First Round playoffs on Wednesday and Thursday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Tickets are available at www.durhambulls.com or by phone at (919) 956-BULL.
International League Stories from September 2, 2007
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- Braves Lose 6-5 In 11 - Gwinnett Stripers
- Bulls clinch South Division - Durham Bulls
- Knights Fall to Bulls - Charlotte Knights
- Lynx Lose Late Lead - Ottawa Lynx
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Bruce, Shearn Win Bats Monthly Awards - Louisville Bats
- Bisons Add Pitchers Rundles, Niesel for Must-Win Game Tonight - Buffalo Bisons
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