Arencibia Powers Durham Past Norfolk
DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls snapped a three-game losing streak with a 6-2 win over the Norfolk Tides Thursday night at the DBAP, as JP Arencibia paced the team's offense with three hits and four RBI.
Arencibia was an offensive force for the Bulls in the victory, tallying a two-run double in the third inning that put the Bulls in front, and a two-run homer off the Snorting Bull in the seventh that extended the team's lead.
Norfolk (46-66) took an early 1-0 lead when Audry Perez singled home Trey Mancini in the top of the first inning. Durham (52-61) came back to tie the game in the second inning though, as Casey Gillaspie lifted a solo homer to center field.
Arencibia then put Durham ahead for good in the third inning, doubling down the right field line to score Juniel Querecuto and Dayron Varona. After the visitors scored on a wild pitch to make it a 3-2 game in fourth inning, Durham re-took a two-run lead on Johnny Field's RBI double in the fifth.
In the seventh Arencibia struck again with his two-run dinger to put the home side in front 6-2, and the Tides would come no closer after they went down scoreless over the final two innings.
Eddie Gamboa (5-3) earned the win after tossing 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned) while striking out four, while Odrisamer Despaigne (1-7) suffered the loss, allowing three runs on seven hits across 3 1/3 frames. For the second straight night the Durham bullpen was unscored upon, as Adam Kolarek, Parker Markel and Tyler Sturdevant combined for 2 2/3 innings of one-hit ball.
Arencibia finished the evening 3-for-4 with four RBI and two runs scored, while Varona finished 2-for-4 with a pair of runs scored as well.
The Bulls welcome the Gwinnett Braves to the DBAP for a three-game set beginning Friday. RHP Jake Faria (3-2, 4.73) takes the mound for Durham opposite RHP Chris Ellis (2-4, 7.57) for the G-Braves. First pitch is scheduled for 7:05 p.m.
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