Brignac Slam Makes It Two In A Row

DURHAM, NC - Reid Brignac slugged the second Bulls grand slam of the season on Monday night, as Durham defeated the Toledo Mud Hens 6-3 to take a 2-1 series lead. After over an hour and a half rain delay to begin the game, the shortstop powered the Bulls to their second win in a row with his first career grand slam.

After falling behind early, the Bulls bounced back and for the second night in a row they put up five runs in an inning to take the lead. Leslie Anderson, newcomer Brandon Allen and Matt Mangini got on board in the second thanks to an inconsistent effort from Toledo's Thad Weber (4-5, 3.73). Weber entered the game walking only 10 batters on the season, but allowed three free passes in the third inning alone tonight. Brignac then extended his season-high five game hitting streak with the Bulls first hit of the game, a grand slam to right center field. Durham added another run in the frame thanks to an RBI double by Rich Thompson.

Lance Pendleton gave up three runs early, two coming on Brad Eldred's 24th homer of the season. After he was given five runs of support, the Houston native settled down and allowed just two more hits in his performance. Pendleton did not qualify for the win as he tossed 4.0 IP allowing 3 R, 2 ER on 4 H, 2 BB while striking out three.

Ryan Reid (3-0, 3.29) replaced Pendleton in the top of the fifth and tossed two perfect innings on the way to his third win of the season. Bryan Augenstein followed with two more scoreless innings, and has now gone 13.0 IP without allowing an earned run. Brandon Gomes earned the save for the Bulls, his sixth of the season.

The Bulls finish up their homestand with a special 12:05pm start against the Mud Hens tomorrow afternoon. The game will air nationally on MLB Network. LHP Andy Oliver (3-5, 3.93) will take the hill for Toledo against RHP Jim Paduch (2-4, 4.35) of the Bulls.