IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Bulls Take Over South

August 21, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


Durham, N.C . - The Durham Bulls defeated the Richmond Braves 8-5 on Tuesday night. The Bulls improved to 72-57 while the Braves dropped to 71-57. Durham moved into first-place in the International League's South Division and now lead Richmond by a half game. The Braves had led the South Division since April 9.

The Bulls scored five runs in the fourth inning to secure a 7-1 advantage. The Braves rallied with four in the fifth inning and got to within two runs but couldn't get any closer. Durham added an insurance run in the fifth to extend their lead to three runs at 8-5.

Richmond starter Trey Hodges allowed eight runs, four of which were earned, in just four innings. Hodges was charged with the loss and dropped to 5-6 with a 5.45 ERA. Relievers Chad Paronto and Joey Devine were able to keep the Bulls off of the scoreboard in the final four innings. Paronto held Durham scoreless in the fifth and sixth innings while Devine record the final six Durham outs.

The Bulls starter, Jeff Niemann, lasted just four innings when he allowed three earned runs on six hits. Durham used four relievers in the win. Calvin Medlock, Jay Witasick, Shawn Camp and Chad Orvella all saw action out of the pen. Witasick, who struck out the side in the sixth, earned his first win of the season. He is now 1-0 with a 0.00 ERA. Orvella pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his 19th save of the season.

The Braves' Gregor Blanco and Pete Orr each recorded a pair of hits in the loss. Evan Longoria led the Bulls' offense with three hits and was one of four Durham batters to record multi-hit games. Justin Ruggiano, Jason Pridie and Wes Bankston each picked up a pair of hits in the Durham victory.

The Braves and Bulls play the second game in the four-game series, on Wednesday. Richmond is expected to start RHP Kevin Barry (5-6, 4.00 ERA) while Durham will send LHP J.P. Howell (5-7, 3.67 ERA) to the mound. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

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International League Stories from August 21, 2007


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