Marks no-hits Chiefs in 2-0 Bulls win

Syracuse, NY (July 16th, 2016) - The Durham Bulls beat the Syracuse Chiefs Saturday night 2-0. Durham starter Justin Marks threw a no-hitter in the outing, the first no-hitter by a single pitcher in the International League since Columbus' Tyler Cloyd threw one on July 30th, 2014.

Durham (41-54) tallied in the top of the fifth inning against Syracuse starter A.J. Cole. Jake Goebbert began the frame with a ground-rule double to left field. He then moved to third on a Hank Conger groundout. Later in the inning, Jaff Decker walked to put Durham runners on the corners with two outs. Daniel Robertson followed with a ground ball to short, which Adrian Sanchez fielded cleanly. However, his throw to first was off line, and the error allowed both Goebbert and Sanchez to score, giving the Bulls a 2-0 lead.

Syracuse (44-49) received a strong outing from Cole despite the loss. He finished his outing after six innings. Cole allowed four hits and the two unearned runs while walking just one batter and striking out six. Erik Davis came on in relief in the seventh, throwing two scoreless innings and striking out three. Bryan Harper worked the ninth without allowing a run.

Marks allowed just two walks and a hit batsman in the game. In the bottom of the ninth inning, Marks got Caleb Ramsey to ground out to short for the first out. Brian Goodwin then followed with another groundout to first base. Syracuse Manager Billy Gardner argued the ball was hit foul, though first-base umpire John Bacon ruled it fair and the call stood. Marks then completed the no-hitter by striking out Matt Skole. This outing was the first time Marks threw more than six and one-third innings this season. It was also the only game this year where he did not allow an earned run.

Syracuse and Durham wrap up their four-game series Sunday afternoon. The Chiefs have slated Paolo Espino for the start while the Bulls are scheduled to throw Jamie Schultz. First pitch in the finale is set for 1:35.