Bulls Take Fourth Straight Series in 4-1 Win
DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls defeated the Charlotte Knights 4-1 at the DBAP Thursday night, earning their fourth straight series victory and finishing their nine-game homestand 7-2.
In the second inning JP Arencibia and Curt Casali got things rolling for Durham (31-24), as Arencibia singled to lead off the frame before Casali launched a two-run homer over the Blue Monster, his second home run in as many days.
In the fourth the home side extended the lead, as Arencibia laced a one-out single, before scoring two batters later when Richie Shaffer ripped a double down the leftfield line for a 3-0 lead.
Charlotte (30-23) scored its lone run in the sixth inning on an RBI single by Matt Davidson. Durham countered in the bottom of the frame though, as Arencibia doubled, advanced to third on a single by Casali, and scored on a sacrifice fly from Corey Brown.
Southpaw Scott Diamond (5-2) picked up the win with 5 1/3 innings of one-run ball, while Ronald Belisario earned his 14th save of the year with 1 1/3 scoreless out of the bullpen. Right-hander Shawn Haviland (1-4) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits over five frames.
Arencibia and Casali led the offensive attack for Durham, each finishing 3-for-4 to account for six of the Bulls' nine hits. Arencibia scored three times, while Casali finished with a pair of RBIs.
Durham hits the road for a three-game set beginning Friday against the Gwinnett Braves at Coolray Field. RHP Matt Andriese (1-0, 2.93) is scheduled to pitch for Durham against RHP Sugar Ray Marimon (3-2, 3.58) for the G-Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.