Five-Run Ninth Inning Dooms Bulls in Loss

DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls allowed five runs in the top of the ninth inning to the Charlotte Knights Saturday evening at the DBAP, falling 5-1 to their intrastate rivals in the second game of a three-game set.

Trailing 1-0 entering the ninth, Charlotte (52-69) jumped out in front when former Bull Jerry Sands cracked a three-run home run to centerfield. After Nicky Delmonico doubled, Jacob May drove him home with a single, and Tony Campana closed the scoring with a single that plated May. Durham (54-67) went quietly in the ninth as the home side dropped its fourth game in its last five tries.

The defeat spoiled a dominant start by Jaime Schultz for Durham, as the right-hander went a season-high eight innings in the contest, punching out 11 and walking only two while surrendering three hits. Zack Burdi (1-0) earned the win for the Knights with two scoreless frames out of the bullpen, while Tyler Sturdevant (1-1) suffered the loss by allowing five runs in the ninth.

Taylor Motter provided Durham's only offense in the first inning, lifting a two-out home run over the Blue Monster. Durham managed just two more hits the rest of the way, as Daniel Robertson and Jaff Decker each tallied a single.

The series closes on Sunday, when the Bulls send RHP Austin Pruitt (8-8, 3.31) to the mound against RHP Terance Marin (6-5, 5.05) for Charlotte. First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.

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