IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Durham Downs Braves

August 24, 2007 - International League (IL1)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release


Durham, N.C . - The Durham Bulls bested the Richmond Braves 5-2 on Friday night. The Bulls, who won the four-game series three games to one, improved to 74-58 and now lead the Braves by one and a half games in the International League's South Division. The Braves dropped to 72-59 on the season.

Durham jumped out to an early 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first. Bulls' first baseman Chris Richard singled home outfielder Justin Ruggiano to put Durham in front 1-0.

The Braves tied the game at one in the third inning. Larry Bigbie tripled to lead-off the inning and was scored when Pete Orr grounded out to Richard at first. But the Bulls came back with a pair of runs on two singles and a walk in the bottom of the third to go up 3-1.

Richmond got to within one run in the top of the sixth inning, when Wes Timmons was awarded home on a balk. Durham starter Mitch Talbot plunked Wes Timmons to lead-off the inning. Timmons was moved to third after a Gregor Blanco single and a sacrifice-bunt by Brent Lillibridge. The sac-bunt proved pivotal when Talbot balked and allowed Richmond to make it a 3-2 game. Timmons has now been hit-by-a-pitch 17 times this season, a club-high.

The Bulls got an insurance run in the sixth and seventh innings to push their lead to 5-2.

Braves' starter Blaine Boyer allowed four runs, only two of which were earned, to drop his third decision of the year. Boyer is now 3-3 with a 4.54 ERA. Royce Ring and Ryan Basner also saw action on the mound. Ring pitched a scoreless inning while Basner allowed one run in one and one-third inning.

Mitch Tablot won his 12th game of the season. He held the Braves to two runs in sixth innings and is now 12-8 with a 4.70 ERA. Jeff Ridgeway pitched a perfect ninth to earn his fourth save of the season. The Braves return to The Diamond on Saturday to face the Charlotte Knights. Richmond will start LHP Dan Smith (3-3, 5.32 ERA) while Charlotte will go with LHP Heath Phillips (11-7, 4.39 ERA). First pitch in the series opener is scheduled for 7:00 p.m.

Check out the Gwinnett Stripers Statistics



International League Stories from August 24, 2007


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central