Bulls Two-Hit Tribe In 2-0 Game 1 Win

DURHAM, N.C. -- Tribe starter Brandon Cumpton allowed just two runs in an 8.0-inning complete game effort, including setting down 17 Bulls batters in a row at one point, but it wasn't enough as three Durham hurlers, led by starter Jake Odorizzi, combined to two-hit the Indianapolis Indians in a 2-0 victory in game one of the opening round of the 2013 Governor's Cup Playoffs at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The opening round of the Governor's Cup playoffs between Indianapolis and Durham featured two of the League's best starters of the last few weeks of the regular season in the Tribe's Brandon Cumpton and Bulls Jake Odorizzi. The duo did not disappoint as through the first seven innings they combined to allow no runs on just four hits.

Cumpton (8.0 IP, 7 H, 2 R, 2 ER, BB, 2 SO) was the measure of efficiency, needing just 75 pitches to breeze through 7.0 shutout innings. After allowing a base hit to Bulls SS Tim Beckham to lead-off of the game, Cumpton set down 17 straight, before a two-out double by Beckham in the bottom of the sixth.

The Durham shortstop proved to be the ultimate thorn in Cumpton and the Indians side, as in the bottom of the eighth, after a one-out double by CF Kevin Kiermaier and walk to C Jesus Flores, Beckham broke the scoreless tie with an RBI single to left. Beckham then came around to score the Bulls second run later in the frame on an RBI base knock by 1B Vince Belnome.

Indianapolis limited the damage to just two scores, thanks to RF Brett Carroll, who gunned down C Jesus Flores attempting to score on the RBI base knock by Belnome.

After collecting just one hit through the first eight innings, the Tribe finally got something going in the top of the ninth as they loaded the bases on a walk by 1B Matt Hague, single by 3B Jared Goedert and walk to pinch hitter Russ Canzler. However, the rally would fall short as Lucas May would fly out to right with the bases loaded to end the game.

While Cumpton used his efficiency to roll through the first 7.0 frames, Bulls starter Jake Odorizzi blew away Tribe batters during his 7.0 shutout innings. Odorizzi (7.0 IP, H, 0 R, 3 BB, 9 SO) allowed just a second-inning single to Carroll and struck out nine, but did not figure in the final decision as the Tribe forced him from the game following a 38 pitch seventh inning.

In the seventh, Tribe SS Robert Andino reached on an error to lead-off the frame, before walks to both Hague and Goedert loaded the bases with just one out. Odorizzi, however, reached back and after a long battle struck out Carroll, before inducing an inning-ending fly out by May.

Following Odorizzi, Bulls reliever Jeff Beliveau (1.0 IP, 2 SO) struck out two in a scoreless eighth to earn the win, before closer Kirby Yates (1.0 IP, 1 H, 2 BB, SO) worked out of the ninth inning jam to pick up the save.

The Indians and Bulls will now continue their first round Governor's Cup Playoff series in Durham on Thursday night at 7:05 p.m. RHP Graham Godfrey (11-8, 3.93 ERA) is scheduled to make the start for Indianapolis, while Durham is expected to counter with 2013 IL Pitcher of the Year J.D. Martin (16-4, 2.75 ERA)

The game will be carried on WNDE 1260 AM, WNDE.com and via iheartradio, a mobile application for iPhone, Blackberry and Android phones with Howard Kellman and Will Flemming on the call. The pre-game show begins at 6:45 p.m.

Following tomorrow's contest, the Indians will return home for anywhere from one to three playoff contests at Victory Field from September 6-8. Indianapolis Indians playoff tickets are on sale now and can be purchased by clicking here, through the Indians' single-game ticket hotline at 317-269-2282 or by visiting the Victory Field Box Office.

The Indians will kick-off their playoff celebration on Friday, Sept. 6 at Victory Field. Festivities for the event will include a free special edition playoff T-shirt for the first 2,500 fans and a post-game fireworks show to cap off the evening.

Fans can also enjoy Monday Dollar Menu pricing of $1 for hot dogs, peanuts, Cracker Jack, popcorn and potato chips during all home playoff contests.