Bulls on brink of division title after walk-off win
Published on August 25, 2008 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release
DURHAM, NC-Jonny Gomes delivered the Bulls' biggest hit thus far in the 2008 season, blooping a walk-off single to left over five drawn-in Indianapolis infielders to beat the Indians 9-8 in 10 innings. Durham's magic number over Norfolk to clinch their second consecutive South Division title fell to one, and the Bulls can clinch a playoff berth with their next win or Tides loss.
The Bulls led 5-4 after four innings, only to lose the lead when Indianapolis scored three runs in the top of the seventh inning. Durham responded, however, with a three-spot of their own in the bottom of the frame to take an 8-7 lead, only to allow the tying run to score on a Steve Pearce sacrifice fly in the eighth.
The score remained knotted at eight until Elliot Johnson hit a ground-rule double to lead off the bottom of the tenth. Ronnie Merrill sacrificed Johnson to third, which forced Indianapolis to issue intentional walks to Fernando Perez and Nathan Haynes. The Indians then pulled left fielder Matt Kata into the infield and played the rest of their outfield at a shallow depth to face Gomes, who had a double and a run batted in over three previous at-bats. But Gomes delivered with the single to left to end the game and bring the Bulls closer to clinching the West Division title.
Calvin Medlock (3-3, 3.56) pitched the top of the tenth inning to get the win for Durham, while Jesse Chavez (2-6, 3.80) took the loss, allowing a run on two hits and two walks in a third of an inning.
The Bulls and Indians wrap up their four-game series Tuesday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Wade Davis (3-2, 3.07) is the scheduled starter for Durham, and he will be opposed by the Indians' Mike Thompson (3-3, 4.74). First pitch is at 7:05 p.m.
International League Stories from August 25, 2008
- Durham Wins See-Saw Battle To Lower Their Magic Number To One - Indianapolis Indians
- Bulls on brink of division title after walk-off win - Durham Bulls
- Braves fall to 'Hens - Gwinnett Stripers
- Knights Fall to Tides in Rain Shortened Game - Charlotte Knights
- Bats Set Franchise Record For Wins In 6-3 Victory - Louisville Bats
- Bisons Scheduled to Face Igawa, Hughes as Yankees Come to Buffalo - Buffalo Bisons
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo Bisons
- Bisons Host Final Three Home Games of 2008 Season - Buffalo Bisons
- Knights Broadcaster Hits Milestone - Charlotte Knights
- Indians Announce 2009 Game Schedule - Indianapolis Indians
- Indiana Fever partners with Habitat to build two homes - Indianapolis Indians
- Playoff update: Bulls can clinch South Division tonight - Durham Bulls
- International League Players Of The Week - IL1
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