Bulls at Knights Series Preview
The Durham Bulls head south to take on the Charlotte Knights in a four game series beginning on Monday, April 16th. This is the second time that these two teams are facing each other this season. Most recently the Bulls played the Knights on April 9th through the 11th at the DBAP. Durham took the first game of the series by a score of 13-5. The Knights came back in game two, shutting out the Bulls 5-0. However, the Triangle's team came back in the rubber game, defeating the Knights by a score of 5-4 and clinching the series. After this four game set, the two teams will not see each other until May 19th, when the Bulls host the Knights for four games at the DBAP.
Three to See
The White Sox farm system is loaded with major league quality talent. Here are three players that you will want to pay attention to during the next four games.
INF Dan Johnson -Johnson was a member of the Bulls for parts of the 2008, 2010 and 2011 seasons. Johnson most notably won the 2010 International League MVP award, leading the league with 30 HR, and was second in the IL in RBI (95). Johnson played 31 games for the Rays last year, but will forever be known for his late inning heroics in game162 against the Yankees. With the Rays down 7-6 in the bottom of the ninth with 2 outs and playoff hopes on the line, Johnson stepped up to the plate against former Durham Bull Cory Wade. Johnson looked in and smashed a solo HR, the game tying shot to RF on a 2-2 pitch, to keep the Rays playoff hopes alive. Thanks to Johnson's efforts, the Rays would win the game in 12 innings and steal the final playoff spot from the Boston Red Sox.
INF Ray Olmedo - Olmedo was on the 2009 Durham Bulls team that won the Triple-A National Championship as well as last season's team. Known as a fan and clubhouse favorite, Olmedo hit .250 with 13 2B, 2 3B, 6 HR, 47 RB and 8 SB in the year they won it all. The Venezuelan native played 124 games for the Bulls last season hitting .260 with 22 2B, 27 RBI and SB.
C Josh Phegley - Phegley entered the 2012 season as the number 19 prospect in the Rays organization according to Baseball America. The young backstop is making his case for the big leagues, hitting .313 (10-for-32) with 3 2B, a HR and 4 RBI entering the series.
Probable Pitchers
4/16 - 7:15pm, RHP Charlie Shirek (1-1, 6.55) vs. LHP Alex Torres (1-0, 2.89)
4/17 - 11:15am, RHP Dylan Axelrod (1-0, 1.50) vs. RHP Jhonny Nunez (0-1, 2.84)
4/18 - 11:15am, LHP Charlie Leesman (0-1, 5.79) vs. RHP Chris Archer (1-1, 10.38)
4/19 - 7:15pm, RHP Terry Doyle (0-1, 7.84) vs. RHP Matt Torra (1-1, 6.35)
How to Catch the Game
You can listen to the game on the home of Bulls baseball, 620 AM - The Fan. The new voice of the Bulls, Patrick Kinas, will call all the action. You can also follow along with GameDay on MiLB.com, MiLB TV or on Twitter at @BullsGameday.