Bulls Drop Series, Homestand Finale to Indians

DURHAM, N.C. - The Durham Bulls saw their eight-game homestand come to an end with a 7-2 loss to the Indianapolis Indians Friday night at the DBAP.

The loss gave the first-place Bulls a split of the four-game series with West Division leader Indianapolis. In the series prior to that, Durham was swept by North leader Syracuse, giving the Bulls a 2-6 record on the homestand.

 The Indians (47-34) pounded out 18 hits against Bulls pitching, including three doubles by Jaff Decker on a four-hit night. Chris Dickerson also had four hits, and Robert Andino added three as Indianapolis scored a single run in the second, fourth and fifth innings, before blowing the game open with a three-run sixth. The visitors tallied their final run in the seventh frame on a Michael Martinez single.

Starting pitcher Jeremy Hellickson (0-4) lasted just three innings in his fourth rehab start for Durham, allowing one run on five hits while tossing 55 pitches to absorb the loss. Relievers Jake Thompson and Jeff Mathis combined to give up six runs in five innings.

The Bulls (45-38) got on the board in the eighth on a two-run homer by Mikie Mahtook, his sixth dinger of the season, as he was the only Bull to register a two-hit night. They were stymied in the first seven innings by starter Indianapolis starter Casey Sadler (8-1), who picked up the win by scattering seven hits and walking just one.

The Bulls now hit the road for a four-game set against the Pawtucket Red Sox. RHP Merrill Kelly (6-1, 2.71) kicks off the series for Durham opposite PawSox RHP knuckleballer Steven Wright (2-1, 1.80). First pitch is set for 6:05 p.m.