Late Runs Propel Bulls to 2-0 Blanking of PawSox
DURHAM, NC - The Durham Bulls won a pitchers' duel over the Pawtucket Red Sox, 2-0 Thursday night in front of 9,609 fans at the DBAP.
Right-hander Alex Colome (1-0) ran his minor league consecutive scoreless inning streak to 22 2/3 with eight shutout innings, striking out seven and allowing just four singles and a walk.
The Bulls (37-25) did no better against Pawtucket starter Steven Wright though, who pitched seven scoreless innings, striking out seven and allowing four hits while walking three.
After 103 pitches, Wright gave way to reliever Dalier Hinojosa (0-4) in the eighth. Hak-Ju Lee greeted him with a single before Hinjosa walked Mikie Mahtook and advanced both runners on a wild pitch. After an intentional walk to Wilson Betemit loaded the bases, Justin Christian hit a ground ball single off the third baseman's glove, scoring Lee for the game's first run. Vince Belnome followed up with a sacrifice fly to centerfield, scoring Mahtook for a 2-0 advantage.
Kirby Yates pitched the ninth and allowed the first two hitters to reach on a triple and a walk, but retired the next three hitters he faced in order to preserve the shutout and earn his league-leading 16th save in as many chances.
The Bulls and PawSox (29-33) finish their four game series Friday at 7:05 p.m. when LHP Enny Romero (3-5, 5.50) starts for Durham against RHP Anthony Ranaudo (5-4, 3.09) for Pawtucket.