Snell, Shaffer Lead Bulls to Series Split

DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls earned a 4-2 win over the Charlotte Knights Sunday evening at the DBAP, earning a split of the four-game set.

Charlotte took a lead in the early going, plating a run on an RBI single by Jason Coats in the first inning. The lead was short-lived however, as in the bottom of the inning Corey Brown drove home Taylor Motter with a single to right to tie the contest, and Joey Rickard doubled home Richie Shaffer as the Bulls (68-68) took a 2-1 lead.

In the fifth the home side extended its advantage, as with two outs Shaffer ripped a two-run single off the Blue Monster, scoring Mikie Mahtook and Taylor Motter for a three-run advantage.

In the sixth the Knights (71-65) got a run back on a solo home by Coats to leftfield, but the Durham bullpen allowed just three hits the remainder of the game to preserve win and snap a two-game losing skid.

Southpaw Blake Snell (5-2) won his fourth straight decision by allowing one run on four hits over five innings, striking out six and walking just two. Lefty CJ Riefenhauser picked up his first save since April of 2014, striking out the side in the ninth inning. Terance Marin (3-3) suffered the loss for the Knights, surrendering four runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings.

Offensively for Durham Shaffer finished 2-for-4 with two RBI, while Rickard contributed the team's only other multi-hit game by finishing 2-for-3.

Durham's six-game homestand continues Monday when they welcome the Gwinnett Braves for the first of two games. RHP Bradin Hagens (3-5, 3.16) will make the start for Durham opposite LHP Greg Smith (6-5, 2.52) for the G-Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.