Casali, Bullpen Team Up For Extra-Inning Win
DURHAM, NC - Curt Casali delivered a walk-off single in the bottom of the 11th inning Friday night at the DBAP, giving the Durham Bulls a 3-2 win over the Norfolk Tides to snap a six-game losing streak.
Jaff Decker doubled with one out in the bottom of the 11th frame, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Taylor Motter then worked a walk, before Casali lifted a single to deep right field to score Decker and give the Bulls just their second win in their last 12 games.
In the ninth Durham (55-72) was down to its final strike, but Motter ripped a single through the right side that scored Jake Goebbert and tied the contest at two.
The Tides (55-72) scored the game's first runs in the second inning, as LJ Hoes singled home Mike Yastrzemski and Corban Joseph drove home Ozzie Martinez. The Bulls hopped on the scoreboard in the fourth when Richie Shaffer blasted a solo homer over the Blue Monster to make it a 2-1 game.
The Durham bullpen was brilliant, tossing eight innings of scoreless ball after Jaime Schultz allowed two runs in three innings. Parker Markel allowed just one hit over three innings, while Adam Kolarek tossed a pair of scoreless frames. Steve Geltz then pitched two perfect innings, and Tyler Sturdevant (2-2) earned the win after tossing the top of the 11th inning. Oliver Drake (0-4) suffered the loss, allowing a run to score on four hits over 1 1/3 innings.
Decker went 3-for-6 in the win, doubling twice, while Motter went 2-for-4 with an RBI and two walks. Johnny Field chipped in a 3-for-5 night from the eighth spot in the order and Jake Goebbert went 2-for-4 from the ninth spot, scoring the tying run in the ninth.
The three-game series comes to a close on Saturday, when RHP Austin Pruitt (8-8, 3.33) toes the rubber for the Bulls against RHP Odrisamer Despaigne (1-7, 3.48) for the Tides. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m. at the DBAP.
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