Arroyo's Blast, Banda's Gem Lift Bulls Past Tides

DURHAM, NC - Christian Arroyo launched his first-career grand slam and Anthony Banda turned in a scoreless start as the Durham Bulls defeated the Norfolk Tides 4-1 in the series opener of a four-game set Monday night at the DBAP.
Kean Wong walked to open the home half of the first, Willy Adames followed with a single and Jake Bauers walked to load the bases. Later in the frame, Arroyo drilled a grand slam home run over the Snorting Bull, giving the Bulls a 4-0 lead through the first inning.
Banda (W, 4-2) earned his fourth win of the season after holding the Tides scoreless over 6.2 innings, with four strikeouts. It marked the longest start of the season for Banda.
Norfolk got on the board in the top of the ninth with a solo home run from Alex Presley. Ian Gibaut allowed the home run, but then closed out a Bull City victory with one strikeout, 4-1.
The Bulls (17-12) face the Tides (16-12) for game two-of-four Tuesday at 10:35 a.m. at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Bulls' righty Chih-Wei Hu (0-1, 4.15) is scheduled to face David Hess (1-0, 2.78) for the Tides.