IL1 Durham Bulls

Bulls Win, Gwinnett Loss Cuts Magic Number to Two

Published on August 19, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Durham Bulls News Release


Norfolk, VA) Leslie Anderson's first Triple-A homer broke a 4-4 tie, as the Bulls cut their magic number to two with a fourth straight win, 8-6 at Norfolk on Thursday.

Anderson's homer to right into the Durham bullpen off Frank Mata (3-3) gave Durham its first lead, and started a four-run rally. The Bulls got one more run on a bases-loaded walk to J.J. Furmaniak, and then tacked on the final two runs on Justin Ruggiano's bases loaded two-out single to left.

Those runs turned out to be critical as Robert Andino hit a two-run homer in the bottom of the frame off Dale Thayer (3-1). R.J. Swindle got the last out of the eighth and Winston Abreu pitched the ninth for his 19th save.

Durham fell behind 4-0 after two innings, but starter Darin Downs, Brian Shouse and Thayer held Norfolk in check until Andino's eighth inning homer. The Bulls rallied, tying the game in the seventh on Norfolk's only error.

Durham collected 14 hits, three by Furmaniak. Desmond Jennings reached bases four times and scored three runs. Anderson and Ruggiano drove in two runs apiece.

Durham's magic number fell to two because Gwinnett, 17.0 games behind the Bulls, gave up two in the ninth in a 4-3 loss at Charlotte. Any combination of two Bulls wins or Gwinnett losses over the final 18 days will give Durham its fourth straight division title.

Veteran righty Ramon Ortiz makes his Durham debut on Friday in Norfolk. Lefty Zach Britton starts for the Tides. Coverage on 620 the Buzz begins at 7 p.m. with first pitch at 7:15.

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International League Stories from August 19, 2010


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