Comeback Attempt Falls Short in 6-4 Loss to IronPigs

The Durham Bulls lost their second straight to Lehigh Valley on Sunday evening, dropping a 6-4 decision at the DBAP. Despite a four run eighth inning, the Bulls fell to 2-5 on the homestand, with one game remaining before a road trip to Rochester.

The Bulls managed just four hits in seven innings against IronPigs starter B.J. Rosenberg (W, 1-3, 4.30), a Jason Bourgeois double in the first inning and three infield singles. It marked the second game on the homestand that the Bulls lost to a previously winless starter. Syracuse's Yunesky Maya was 0-3 before the Bulls were shut out 5-0 on May 6. 

Darin Ruf and Cody Overbeck hit back-to-back doubles off of Alex Torres (L, 2-2, 2.39) in the first inning to give Lehigh Valley an early 1-0 lead. The IronPigs added a second run on a Josh Fields sacrifice fly in the fourth.

The wheels came off in the sixth, as Torres gave up two hits, a walk, and a hit batter. Lehigh Valley was helped by two Bulls errors. After first baseman Leslie Anderson threw home to put out a runner trying to score from third, Cole Figueroa was charged with an error trying to turn it into a double play. Later in the inning, Bourgeois, returning to the lineup for the first time in six games, misplayed a single to right, allowing it to roll to the wall for a three-base, three run error.

Durham couldn't get a runner past second base against Rosenberg. The Bulls got two runners on in the third, on singles by Figueroa and Rich Thompson. Both runners were cut down trying to steal second base, however, the first caught stealing for both of them. Once Rosenberg left the game, they were able to rally.

A Vince Belnome single and Figueroa double opened the eighth inning. Bourgeois atoned for his error with a two-run bases-loaded double. Mike Fontenot added an RBI single, and a fourth run scored on a balk. However, Jake Diekman retired the Bulls in order in the ninth for his fourth save.

The Bulls and IronPigs play the final game of the series and homestand Monday afternoon at 1:05pm. RHP Alex Colome (1-5, 3.13) starts for the Bulls against Phillies farmhand RHP Zach Miner (1-2, 5.40).