Durham Uses Four-Run First to Top Stripers 11-2

LAWRENCEVILLE, Georgia – The Durham Bulls (18-26) quickly jumped on the Gwinnett Stripers (26-18) with a four-run first inning and rode a strong outing from Brody Hopkins to secure an 11-2 victory on Saturday night at Gwinnett Field. The Bulls have taken a 3-2 series lead heading into Sunday's finale.

Decisive Plays: Durham's first inning was highlighted by an RBI single from Dom Keegan and a two-run double by Tatem Levins to make it 4-0 and chase Gwinnett starter Lucas Braun (L, 2-2). The Stripers got a run back in the second when a ground ball off the bat of Jair Camargo rolled off the glove of third baseman Raynel Delgado to make it 4-1. Durham tacked on two runs in both the third and fifth innings to make it 8-1. Luke Williams, who pitched the top of the ninth, cranked a solo homer (4) in the bottom of the ninth to make it 11-2.

Key Contributors: Williams (1-for-4, homer, RBI) drove in Gwinnett’s only earned run and pitched in relief. Brett Wisely (2-for-4, double) reached three times for the second straight night. For Durham, Hopkins went 4.2 innings (3 H, 1 ER, 5 BB, 5 SO) in a no-decision. Cooper Kinney (3-for-4, 2 homers, 3 RBIs) hit his first two home runs of the season.

Noteworthy: Wisely tallied his team-leading 14^th double – third most in the International League – as he extended his hitting streak to six games. DaShawn Keirsey Jr. also extended his hitting streak to six games, going 1-for-3. Williams made his second pitching appearance of the season.

Next Game (Sunday, May 17): Gwinnett Stripers vs. Durham Bulls, 4:05 p.m. ET at Gwinnett Field. It's Sunday Funday presented by COUNTRY Financial. Bring the whole family for a matinee game and enjoy Pregame Catch on the Field and Postgame Kids Run the Bases (weather permitting). Radio Broadcast: 3:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.