Durham Out-Slugs Norfolk in Series Opener

DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls used a seven-run sixth inning to erase a four-run deficit and defeat the Norfolk Tides 10-6 Monday night at the DBAP to win their seventh straight game.
Trailing 5-1 in the sixth, the Bulls erupted for seven runs beginning with a sacrifice fly by Nick Solak and a run-scoring single from Nick Ciuffo to make it a two-run ballgame. Jason Coats then lifted a three-run homer over the Blue Monster in left-center field to give the home side a 6-5 lead, before Jake Cronenworth and Jake Smolinski each tallied RBI-singles later in the frame.
Two innings later the Bulls added to their lead with a pair of runs on an error and a fielder's choice to double up the Tides at 10-5, before Norfolk's Ryan Mountcastle closed the scoring in the top of the ninth with a solo home run.
The teams entered the sixth inning tied at one, with Norfolk striking for the game's first run in the third inning before Durham answered in the fourth on an RBI single by Ciuffo. In the top of the sixth the Tides plated four runs, highlighted by a two-run singled off the bat of Jack Reinheimer. That 5-1 lead set the stage for the Bulls comeback, as the home side won for the ninth time in its last 10 games.
Mike Franco (3-0) earned the win with 2.1 scoreless innings out of the bullpen, striking out two. Chris Lee (1-1) suffered the loss for the Tides, surrendering three runs (five earned) in while recording just one out in relief.
The Bulls and Tides continue their three-game set Tuesday at the DBAP at 10:35 a.m. RHP Aaron Slegers (1-0, 4.35) is scheduled to start for Durham, while Norfolk has yet to name a starter.