Charlotte Rallies Late Past Bulls, 6-5

Charlotte, NC --- The Charlotte Knights scored three times in the seventh inning to trip up Durham, 6-5, dropping the Bulls three games behind in the South with 12 games remaining in the regular season.

Durham struck for a game-opening home run by Jake Hager, then rallied from 3-1 down to tie in the third on a bases loaded, two-run single by Taylor Motter. The Bulls went ahead in the fifth by stitching three extra base hits together for a 5-3 lead. Daniel Robertson tripled then scored on a double by Casey Gillaspie, who then came home on a double from Jaff Decker.

However, Ryne Stanek (L, 1-4) could not hold the lead in the seventh, giving up three runs on three hits in the frame to absorb the loss. Nicky Delmonico homered to cut the Bulls' lead to 5-4, then a walk plus a hit-and-run single set up the rally. Following a steal of second base, former Bulls outfielder Jason Bourgeois singled up the middle to score two runs and put Charlotte in front 6-5.

The Bulls had a chance to tie in the ninth, but shortstop Eddy Alvarez, who already turned in three defensive gems, stole a hit away from Robertson with Dayron Varona at third representing the tying run. Alvarez smothered a grounder up the middle and his throw to first base barely retired Roberton to end the game.

With the defeat, the Bulls fell into a third place tie with Norfolk, three games off the South Division pace set by Charlotte. Gwinnett remains second 1/2 game back.

Jaime Schultz starts the series finale on Thursday night against Terrance Marin at 7:05 PM ET.