Gillaspie, Robertson Lead Durham to Sweep
DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls used a four-run sixth inning to beat the Toledo Mud Hens 5-2 Wednesday night at the DBAP, clinching a sweep of the three-game series as Casey Gillaspie and Daniel Robertson combined for seven hits.
Trailing by a run in the sixth inning, the Bulls (48-58) strung together four runs in the frame to take a three-run lead. Nick Franklin doubled to open the inning, and Taylor Motter followed with a walk to put runners on first and second. JP Arencibia then hit a ground ball to shortstop, but second baseman Jordany Valdespin missed the throw, allowing Franklin to score from second base and inhibiting the Mud Hens from turning a double play.
After a pitching change Gillaspie singled to load the bases, and Richie Shaffer's sac fly to left field scored Motter to put the home side in front 2-1. After a Jaff Decker single, Robertson singled home Arencibia, and Jake Goebbert's sac fly to left scored Gillaspie for a three-run advantage.
The rehabbing JD Martinez doubled home a run for Toledo (46-59) in the seventh, but the Bulls came back with a run in the eighth frame on Goebbert's RBI single to center for a 5-2 lead.
Jaime Schultz pitched well in the start for Durham, scattering four hits and four walks across 5 2/3 frames and surrendering one run. The combination of Neil Wagner (1-1), Dana Eveland, Steve Geltz and Tyler Sturdevant allowed just one run over the game's final 3 1/3 innings, with Sturdevant picking up his third save of the year. Warwick Saupold (3-2) took the loss, allowing three runs (two earned) across five innings.
Robertson finished 4-for-4, as he's now hit safely in five straight plate appearances after Tuesday's walk-off single. Gillaspie added a 3-for-4 evening, while Goebbert drove home two in the victory.
Durham has an off day on Thursday, before resuming its six-game homestand on Friday against Louisville. RHP Austin Pruitt (7-6, 3.07) will take the mound for the Bulls against RHP Robert Stephenson (6-6, 3.69) for the Bats.
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