Feliciano's Big Night Pushes Bulls Past Sox
Durham scored twice in the first, but was then silenced for the majority of the game. Feliciano's four hit effort paced a 10 hit attack for the Bulls offense, though a 2-for-13 mark with runners in scoring position kept them from being in the game until late. It wasn't until the Puerto Rican's bases clearing triple in the 8th that Durham could capitalize to come from behind.
Chris Archer took the hill in his first start since being named as the International Player of the Week and was shaky. The North Carolinian stuck out nine batters for his second straight outing, but wore out quickly, tossing 106 pitches in just 4 2/3 innings of work. Archer let the Bulls lead slip away as he gave up three runs in the top of the third inning. Jhonny Nunez and Romlulo Sanchez (W, 1-1) relieved Archer and each allowed an earned run.
The PawSox, led by rehabbing big leaguer Kevin Youkilis, came back from the early deficit scoring three runs in the fourth inning, a run in the following frame and another run in the seventh. Youkilis went 1-for-3 with a single and two strikeouts before he was pinch hit for in the top of the sixth. The third baseman looked sharp in the field, making several playing including a sliding stop to throw out his counterpart, Matt Mangini in the bottom of the fifth inning. Red Sox starting pitcher Ross Ohlendorf went six strong innings while allowed two earned runs on on six hits, while walking two and striking out four, but did not factor in the decision.
Japanese import Junichi Tazawa (L, 0-1) loaded the bases with Bulls in the bottom of the eighth inning, when Feliciano stepped to the plate and ripped his first triple of the year to the right field corner, clearing the bases and putting Durham on top 6-5. The Puerto Rican native finished the night going 4-for-5 with triple and a run scored. It was his second four hit game of the year. Brandon Gomes kept his perfect ERA alive as he pitched a 1-2-3 9th and earned his third save of the season.
Tomorrow, the Bulls begin a four set against division rivals Charlotte Knights. RHP Shane Dyer (0-0, 0.00) was promoted from the Rays Double-Affiliate in Montgomery and will make his first career Triple-A start on Saturday. He will take on RHP Charlie Shirek (3-3, 4.31) for the Knights. Bill Evers, the winningest manager in Durham Bulls History, will be inducted into the International League Hall of Fame in a special on-field ceremony on Saturday.