RailRiders Topple Bulls 7-2

Bulls shortstop Alika Williams reached base twice, including a run-scoring double, however RailRiders starter Mitch Spence tossed six quality innings, while second baseman Chris Owings mashed four hits and shortstop Anthony Volpe crushed two home runs in Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s 7-2 victory over Durham on Thursday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The RailRiders jumped ahead with a single tally in the second before Volpe, rated as the New York Yankees’ top prospect, went deep for the first time in the fifth, a solo shot that made it 2-0. Durham would answer with two runs in the bottom of the fifth capped by Williams’ RBI double that bounce just inside the first base bag. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, however, would go back in front via a single score in the sixth before a two-run seventh highlighted by Volpe’s second longball of the contest extended the advantage to 5-2. RF Ryan Lamarre later added additional insurance runs with a two-run blast in the ninth.

Owings (4-5, 2 R) posted a game-high four knocks, while four other RailRider batters tallied two hits apiece. No Durham hitters recorded a multi-hit effort, though Williams reached base twice via a hit and a walk, and DH Josh Lowe drew two walks. The loss narrows the Bulls’ advantage in the International League East Division to two and a half games with 18 games left to play.

Spence (6.0 IP, 4 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 7 SO) earned his second win with six solid frames, fanning seven, while relievers Anthony Banda (2.0 IP, BB, 4 SO) and Jimmy Cordero (1.0 IP, BB, 2 SO) combined for the last two innings. Durham southpaw Angel Perdomo (2.0 IP, 5 H, 3 R, 3 ER, BB, 3 SO) suffered the defeat.

The two teams are set to continue their six-game set on Thursday evening, with first pitch scheduled for 6:35pm. LHP Josh Fleming is anticipated to get the nod for Durham and be opposed by Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RHP Mitch Spence.

Tickets for that game and all remaining 2022 home dates can be purchased at DurhamBulls.com/tickets.