IL1 Gwinnett Stripers

Durham Downs Braves

Published on August 24, 2007 under 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.

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International League Stories from August 24, 2007


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