Bulls Hold Off Tides 2-1

Bulls designated hitter Rene Pinto recorded two hits, including a homer, while Tampa Bay Rays right-hander Tyler Glasnow struck out four batters in two and two-thirds innings in Durham’s 2-1 victory over the Norfolk Tides on Friday evening at Harbor Park.

Glasnow (2.1 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) struck out four batters, including three in his first inning of work, yielding two hits and two walks in his first appearance with the Bulls as part of his Major League Rehab Assignment. Durham righty Evan McKendry (4.2 IP, 3 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 2 BB, 4 SO) earned the victory with his 4.2 scoreless innings while Josh Roberson (1.0 IP, 2 H) notched the save. Norfolk starter Cole Irvin (7.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 0 BB, 4 SO) suffered the defeat.

The Bulls broke the scoreless draw in the sixth courtesy of 2B Vidal Brujan’s run-scoring single. Pinto would then leave the yard one inning later to make it 2-0. The Tides would narrow the margin to one in the eighth before putting the tying and winning runs on base in the ninth, however Roberson shut the door to complete Durham’s victory.

Pinto (2-4, R, HR, RBI) was the lone Bulls batter to record a multi-hit effort. Norfolk SS Jordan Westburg (2-5, R), 1B Lewin Diaz (2-3, BB), and RF Connor Norby (2-5, 2B), meanwhile, each tallied two knocks.

The two teams are set to continue their six-game road set on Saturday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. RHP ­Taj Bradley is anticipated to toe the rubber for the Bulls and be opposed by RHP Ryan Watson.

Durham returns home to Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Tuesday, May 16 to start a six-game homestand with the Nashville Sounds, the Triple-A affiliate of the Texas Rangers. First pitch of the series opener is set for 6:35pm.

Tickets for that game and all 2023 Durham Bulls home games are available, and can be purchased at DurhamBulls.com, or by calling 919.956.BULL.