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Bats get even with rout of Bulls

Janish collects four hits, four RBIs, four runs scored in 19-3 win
September 4, 2008
Mitch Talbot allowed only three runs in two regular-season starts against the Louisville Bats. That success did not carry into the playoffs.

Louisville chased Talbot in a nine-run third inning, totaled a team-record 24 hits and evened its International League first-round series at 1-1 with a 19-3 rout of the Durham Bulls on Thursday at Louisville Slugger Field.

"Their pitcher has thrown well against us, so this wasn't anticipated," said shortstop Paul Janish, who led the Bats' assault with four hits, four RBIs and four runs scored.

"[Talbot] was throwing a lot of strikes," added Danny Richar, who went 4-for-5 with a pair of doubles and four runs scored out of the leadoff spot. "I saw the ball well. I tried to stay in stride and hit the ball hard. We all did that tonight."

Janish had an RBI single and a three-run homer in the nine-run third that gave Louisville a 14-0 lead. He said he thought the team was motivated by Wednesday's 3-0 loss in the series opener.

"Last night wasn't like us," Janish explained. "We were dragging a bit. But the mood in the clubhouse today was light. Everyone was relaxed and everything fell into place."

Drew Stubbs, Kevin Barker and Drew Anderson contributed three RBIs apiece for the Bats, who were held to six hits in Game 1.

Homer Bailey (1-0) did not need all the support, limiting the Bulls to two hits over six shutout innings while striking out eight and walking one.

"A lot of things were working for me tonight," Bailey said. "My fastball location was working and my breaking ball location was there, too. Also, when the guys are putting up that many runs, it pushes you forward."

Bailey just came off the disabled list after missing one start with a strained right knee.

"I had a good feeling," he said. "I knew I'd be ready to go."

Talbot (0-1) was charged with seven runs on nine hits over two-plus innings, walking one and fanning five.

Jon Weber hit a two-run homer and doubled for Durham, which hosts Game 3 on Friday.

Alan Friedman is a contributor to MLB.com.