Archer, Bulls Drub Iron Pigs 12-2

Chris Archer worked seven strong innings, while the Durham Bulls scored double-figure runs for the third time this season as the Bulls opened an eight-game roadtrip with a 12-2 thrashing of Lehigh Valley at Coca Cola Park.

The Bulls (29-39) scored early and often for Archer (W, 4-8), who won for the first time since May 13th. Leslie Anderson swatted a solo homer in the second to give Durham the lead, then the Bulls scored four times against Scott Elarton (L, 5-3) in the third. Stephen Vogt doubled home two, followed by a wild pitch to bring in another. Anderson's groundout brought in the final run of the inning as the Bulls went ahead 5-0.

Reid Brignac drilled his second homer in two starts, a solo shot to right-center in the fourth, as the Bulls knocked out Elarton.

Meanwhile, Archer retired the first nine hitters, and faced the minimum over six innings. Archer pitched into the seventh for the first time this season, allowing a pair of runs in his final frame.

Ryan Reid threw two hitless innings to close the game out.

Eight Bulls had at least one hit, with Anderson leading the way with three. Eight Bulls also scored at least one run.

Brignac had two extra base hits, while Matt Mangini was 2-5 with a double and two runs. Jesus Feliciano went 2-5, scoring twice.

Shane Dyer (1-2, 6.85) starts the series' second game on Friday night at 7:05 PM ET against Pat Mitsch (3-8, 4.91).