Bulls Drop Finale to IronPigs in Monday Matinee
DURHAM, NC - The first-place Durham Bulls saw their three-game winning streak end Monday afternoon at the DBAP, as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs salvaged the last game of the series 3-0.
Both teams traded zeroes through the first six innings, as Bulls starter Matt Andriese extended his consecutive scoreless inning streak to 19.0, the longest by a Bulls starter since Matt Moore's streak of 20.0 innings in 2011. Andriese had won his last four starts, but he settled for a no-decision after six innings of five-hit ball.
Braulio Lara entered in relief and walked the first batter he faced in the seventh inning, and then gave up back-to-back doubles to Steve Susdorf and Ronny Cedeno to put the visitors in front 2-0. Leandro Castro added a sacrifice fly to left later in the frame for the contest's final run. Lara (0-2) gave up all three runs in just 1/3 of an inning to suffer the loss.
Meanwhile, the Bulls bats couldn't muster anything against Lehigh Valley starter Brad Lincoln (2-3), who allowed just three hits in seven innings while striking out five to earn the win. Ken Giles pitched a one-two-three ninth inning for his fifth save of the year.
Mikie Mahtook tallied three of Durham's four hits on the afternoon, while Curt Casali finished 1-for-3.
The homestand continues Tuesday as the Bulls welcome the Pawtucket Red Sox to the DBAP for a four-game series. RHP Nathan Karns (3-2, 4.45) starts the opener for Durham against LHP Chris Hernandez (2-5, 3.49) for Pawtucket. First pitch is set for 7:05 p.m.