Late Runs Back Dominant Romero in Win

DURHAM, NC - Three Durham Bulls pitchers combined on a three-hitter, as the home side squashed the Charlotte Knights 8-1 at the DBAP on Wednesday night.

Starter Enny Romero (1-1) struck out eight in 5 2/3 innings to even his record and record his first career regular season Triple-A victory. Charlotte managed just one run, courtesy of a two-base Romero throwing error on a grounder back to the mound.

Left-hander C.J. Riefenhauser struck out three in 1 2/3 hitless frames, while Kirby Yates got the final five outs for his third save of the season. Yates struck out back-to-back batters to get out of a two-on, one-out jam in the eighth.

Jerry Sands continued his torrid hitting in his first week as a Bull. He had two doubles and went 3-for-5 with two RBIs, giving him six two-baggers and six RBIs in the first seven games of the season. Justin Christian hit his second home run of the season, a solo dinger to lead off the fifth, as he extended his hitting streak to six games.

In total, the Bulls banged out 12 hits and drew seven walks. Durham (4-3) again rallied in the eighth inning, putting the game away with a three-run outburst after Yates' heroics in the top half of the inning. Right-hander Andre Rienzo (0-1) suffered the loss, allowing four runs (three earned) on seven hits in 4 2/3, while three Knights' (4-3) reliever allowed four runs.

The Bulls will look to win the four-game series with Charlotte on Thursday with an 11:05 a.m. RHP Matt Andriese (0-1, 5.40) starts for Durham against LHP Erik Surkamp (0-0, 3.00) for Charlotte. Tomorrow is Education Day sponsored by Mad Science and $1 concessions presented by Bright Leaf Hot Dogs.