Lucky Seven's as IronPigs Take Down Bulls

DURHAM, N.C. - A 13-hit attack, aided by a seven-run seventh inning, propelled the Lehigh Valley IronPigs to a 9-3 win over the Durham Bulls Saturday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The win, which snapped the IronPigs four-game losing streak, was a close game until the seventh frame, when the squad had its highest single-inning run total of 2013. Lost in the fireworks of the seven-run dig was the second straight strong outing by righty Ethan Martin (3-2), who picked up the win allowing two runs in six innings while striking out seven.

Lehigh Valley (15-20) scored the game's first run when Darin Ruf walked with the bases loaded in the third frame. In the next inning a bases loaded walk hurt Durham once again, walking home Humberto Quintero with two outs for a 2-0 IronPigs lead.

All was quiet until the seventh, when the visitors sent 10 men to the plate and scored all their runs with two outs. Again bases loaded walks was key for the IronPigs, as they drew two for two more runs. Cesar Hernandez singled in a run, and then Cody Asche put the icing on the inning, cracking a grand slam to right field for a commanding 9-0 lead.

The Bulls (22-14) scored a pair of runs in the bottom of the frame and one again in the ninth, but fell far short 9-3.

Chris Archer (4-2) took the loss, allowing one run on three hits in three innings. Michael Stutes tossed a pair of scoreless innings out of the pen for the 'Pigs, while Jake Diekman worked the ninth.

Five players had two-hit games for the IronPigs, but they were led by Asche who had four RBIs, all on the grand slam, and Hernandez who had a pair of RBIs, a run scored and two walks.

Game three of the series is set for Sunday when RHP B.J. Rosenberg (0-3, 5.28) gets the start against Durham's LHP Alex Torres (2-1, 1.69). First pitch is set for 5:05 p.m.