Missed Opportunities Cost Bulls in 4-1 Loss

INDIANAPOLIS - The Durham Bulls squandered early opportunities Sunday afternoon at Victory Field, falling to the Indianapolis Indians 4-1 in the finale of a four-game set.

Durham (58-65) went just 1-for-16 with runners in scoring position, leaving nine men on base in the loss. The Bulls squandered a leadoff double in the second inning, left two runners aboard in the third, and were unable to capitalize with the bases loaded in the fourth.

In the fifth Indianapolis (73-50) struck first, as Jaff Decker reached to lead off the inning on an error by Durham starter Scott Diamond. After a single advanced Decker to third, he scored on a groundout to give the Tribe a 1-0 lead.

The Bulls countered in the top of the sixth inning though, as Corey Brown led off the frame with a triple to leftfield. Mikie Mahtook then grounded out to shortstop, scoring Brown from third and tying the contest.

The deadlock held until the seventh, when the Indians took the lead on an RBI single by Steve Lombardozzi. An inning later the home side increased its lead, scoring one run on a double by Willy Garcia and a single off the bat of Josh Bell.

Josh Wall (2-3) earned the victory in relief for the Indians - who won the series 3-1 - tossing three scoreless innings and walking just one. Dylan Floro (9-12) suffered the loss, surrendering one run on three hits in two innings out of the bullpen. Diamond earned a no-decision after allowing just an unearned run on three hits over five frames.

JP Arencibia was the only Bull to finish with a multi-hit game, tallying a pair of doubles. Joey Butler finished 1-for-3 with a walk, while Hak-Ju Lee earned a pair of free passes.

The Bulls' six-game road trip continues Monday, with the first of two games against the Louisville Bats. LHP Matt Moore (1-2, 3.86) will make the start for Durham against RHP Donn Roach (2-2, 3.94) for Louisville. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. at Louisville Slugger Field.