Durham Takes Rubber Match from Gwinnett, 5-3

LAWRENCEVILLE, GA - The Durham Bulls took the rubber match of a three-game set over the Gwinnett Braves, 5-3 Wednesday night at Coolray Field.

The G-Braves struck for a run in both the first inning and the second inning to take an early 2-0 lead. In the third the Bulls (8-6) plated three unearned runs, as Daniel Robertson scored on a throwing error, and Dayron Varona knocked a two-run double later in the inning for a 3-2 lead.

In the fifth the visitors added to their lead, as Richie Shaffer doubled to score Daniel Robertson, who had doubled to lead off the inning. Nick Franklin then hit a sacrifice fly to left field, scoring Taylor Motter as Durham extended its lead to 5-2.

Gwinnett (10-4) attempted a late comeback, scoring an unearned run in the eighth to cut the Durham lead to 5-3. Tyler Sturdevant picked up his second save of the season though, notching a 1-2-3 ninth inning to preserve the victory.

Right-hander Austin Pruitt (2-0) picked up the win, tossing six innings and allowing two runs on six hits. The 26-year-old struck out five and walked one en route to his second straight victory, and has now struck out 27 batters through three starts and walked just one. Gwinnett righty Tyrell Jenkins (1-1) absorbed the loss, allowing five runs (two earned) on eight hits over six frames.

The Bulls tallied 11 hits, as Jaff Decker led the way with a 3 for 5 evening. Varona finished 2 for 4 with two RBI, while Robertson added a pair of hits as well.

Durham's 10-game road trip continues Thursday, when they open a three-game set at Harbor Park against the Norfolk Tides. LHP Adam Wilk (0-1, 4.22) takes the ball for Durham against RHP Terry Doyle (0-1, 6.35) for Nofolk. First pitch is scheduled for 6:35 p.m.