Late Homers Not Enough as Bulls Fall to G-Braves

DURHAM, NC - The Gwinnett Braves held off the Durham Bulls for a 4-2 victory Friday night at the DBAP, taking the opener of a three-game series.

After the teams traded scoreless frames through the fifth, the G-Braves (44-44) opened the scoring in the sixth inning when Jose Peraza led off with a single, and scored later in the inning on a fielder's choice.

The visitors extended the lead in the eighth, as Peraza again led things off with a walk. After a stolen base and an error he scored on a sacrifice fly for a two-run lead, before Christian Bethancourt doubled the lead with a two-run homer.

In the ninth the Bulls (46-42) made a comeback, as Taylor Motter and JP Arencibia hit back-to-back dingers to cut the deficit to two. That was as close as Durham would come however, as Andrew McKirahan retired Richie Shaffer to end the ballgame.

Righty Ryan Weber (3-1) earned the win by tossing five shutout innings and surrendering just two hits. Dylan Floro (7-9) was the tough-luck loser for Durham, allowing one run in 6 1/3 frames while scattering 10 hits.

The series continues Saturday night when Durham sends LHP Scott Diamond (9-3, 3.28) to the mound opposite RHP Alex White (1-1, 2.51) for the G-Braves. First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m.