RailRiders Shut Out Bulls in Pitcher's Duel
DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls dropped a 2-0 decision to the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders Tuesday night at the DBAP, managing just three hits in the second game of a three-game set.
After the teams traded zeros through the game's first seven innings, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (30-22) struck in the eighth frame. With two outs Nick Swisher fluttered a single to shallow right field, scoring Ben Gamel and Jake Cave to give the visitors a 2-0 lead. Durham managed just one baserunner over the game's final two innings, as it dropped its third contest in its last four tries.
The game opened as a pitcher's duel between Durham prospect Blake Snell and Scranton/WB veteran Phil Coke. Snell and Coke each struck out five and allowed three hits, with Snell going five innings and Coke dealing 5 2/3. Conor Mullee (4-0) earned the win in relief for the RailRiders by tossing 1 1/3 innings and striking out three, while Anthony Swarzak picked up his sixth save of the season with a perfect ninth frame. Steve Geltz (0-1) took the loss for Durham after allowing two runs in 1 1/3 innings.
The Bulls were held to just three singles in the contest, with Johnny Field notching his first Triple-A hit and Richie Shaffer and Jake Goebbert adding the other knocks. The shutout marked the 10th time the Bulls (21-32) were held scoreless on the season.
The series concludes Wednesday when the Bulls send RHP Jaime Schultz (3-2, 3.02) to the hill, while Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has yet to name a starter. First pitch is scheduled for 1:05 p.m.
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