Ford & Boldt Homer, Durham Downs Jacksonville 8-2

Bulls first baseman Mike Ford and left fielder Ryan Boldt both bashed early home runs, while four Durham pitchers combined to allow just four hits in an 8-2 victory over the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp on Wednesday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Following a 30-minute delayed start due to inclement weather, Ford smashed a three-run shot to right in the opening frame to put the Bulls ahead 3-0. Boldt would later crush a two-run shot as part of four-run third inning to extend the advantage to 7-0 before CF Nathan Lukes lofted a sacrifice fly in the fourth, his second RBI of the evening, to make it 8-0. The Jumbo Shrimp, however, would end the Bulls’ shutout hopes in the sixth with a single tally before making it a six-run game with another score in the eighth.

Ford (2-4, 2 R, HR, 3 RBI) and 2B Kevin Padlo (2-4, R) both posted multi-hit efforts in the victory. Ford’s two-hit game extended his hit streak to eight games with Durham dating back to July 3.

Bulls starter Dietrich Enns (5.0 IP, H, 0 R, BB, 8 K) earned his fifth victory after striking out eight over five shutout frames. The lefty has earned wins in each of his last four starts with Durham. Jacksonville southpaw Brandon Leibrandt (3.0 IP, 7 H, 7 R, 7 ER, BB, 5 K), meanwhile, suffered the defeat.

The two teams are set to continue their six-game series on Thursday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm ET. RHP Shane Baz (1-0, 1.42) is anticipated to get the nod for the Bulls, while RHP Luis Madero (4-2, 3.12) is slated to start for the Jumbo Shrimp. Tickets for that game and all remaining contests are available and can be purchased at DurhamBulls.com.