Gameday Stories
April 06, 2008
BULLS WIN IN 9TH FOR FIRST VICTORY, 5-4
(Toledo, OH) Joel Guzman's bases loaded single in the ninth gave the Bulls the lead and Grant Balfour pitched around a Guzman error in the bottom of the frame to give Durham its first win, 5-4 over Toledo.
Guzman's bloop single to left scored Justin Ruggiano, who had singled to start the ninth against veteran Aaron Fultz (0-1). Ruggiano moved to second a walk to Evan Longoria walk, and to third on a Chris Richard sacrifice. Jon Weber then was walked intentionally to set the stage for Guzman.
In the bottom of the inning, Balfour (1-0) retired Matt Joyce to start the frame, but walked Erick Almonte. Pinch hitter Timo Perez then reached when Guzman dropped a fly ball, Guzman's second error in left. With runners at first and second and Henry Mateo at the plate, a pitch that hit Mateo's bat was called a ball, and went to the screen, moving the tying and winning runs into scoring position. However, Balfour settled down, and got Mateo to ground into a 6-2 fielder's choice as Reid Brignac threw out Almonte at the plate. Derek Wathan, who had seven hits in the series, then grounded to first to end the game.
Balfour pitched two hitless innings for the win. Durham combined to allow only six hits total. After collecting just five runs in the first three games combined, the Bulls had five runs, 12 hits, and drew nine walks. Guzman, Richard, Ruggiano, and Fernando Perez had two hits apiece.
The Bulls, now 1-3, continue their eight-game road trip in Columbus on Monday. Mike Prochaska starts for Durham. Coverage begins at 6:45 with first pitch at 7:05 on Rejoice 1410 AM WRJD. The game also can be heard on www.1410wrjd.com, www.durhambulls.com, and www.milb.com.
