Bisons Outlast Bulls Behind Early Outburst
DURHAM, N.C. - The first-place Durham Bulls dropped a 4-3 decision to the Buffalo Bisons at the DBAP Friday night in the third game of the five-game set.
It looked to be a long night for Durham, as Buffalo put four runs on the board in a first-inning outburst. The Bisons (63-56) loaded the bases, and, after a walk brought in one run, Andy LaRoche cleared the bags with a double to right center.
Bulls starter Matt Andriese settled down after the rocky start, however, retiring 15 in a row, speeding through the third and fourth innings with just 14 pitches.
The Bulls (62-57) fought back into the game with a fourth-inning rally though. Mikie Mahtook and Jeremy Moore singled to start the frame, and Wilson Betemit plated Mahtook with a double off the outfield wall. Ali Solis scored Moore with a sacrifice fly, and Ray Olmedo cut the Buffalo lead to 4-3 with an RBI single.
Despite several opportunities, the Bulls would get no closer. Durham left the tying run on third in the fourth and fifth innings and on second base in the seventh and ninth innings.
Sean Nolin (4-4) earned the win, striking out six over six innings, while Bobby Korecky picked up his 20th save of the season, working around a pair of walks in the ninth. Andriese (11-7) was the tough-luck loser, lasting seven innings and allowing four runs on four hits.
The Bulls and Bisons square off again Saturday at 7:05 p.m., with reigning American League Rookie of the Year Wil Myers scheduled to begin a rehab assignment. The Bulls send RHP Nathan Karns (9-5, 4.68) to the hill against RHP PJ Walters (4-2, 4.56) for the Bisons.