Durham Bulls blow out Gwinnett Braves 9-1

The Game: The Durham Bulls used the long ball to help defeat the Gwinnett Braves 9-1 on Sunday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Bulls went deep four times in the game.

The Bulls struck first in the first inning. Fernando Perez singled to center to lead off the inning. Elliot Johnson drew a walk to follow. Justin Ruggiano advanced the runners with a ground out to second. Dan Johnson plated the first run with a sac fly to score Perez. Joe Dillon then drove home Elliot Johnson with a single to right. Chris Richard cleared the bases with a two run homer to give the Bulls a 4-0 lead.

The Bulls added to their lead in the third inning. Justin Ruggiano and Joe Dillon each hit solo home runs in the inning to increase the lead to 6-0.

Durham used the long ball yet again in the sixth inning to post more runs to the scoreboard. Joe Dillon singled to left and Ryan Shealy drew a walk to put two runners on the bases. They would not stay there long as Alvin Colina struck a three run home run to up the lead to 9-0.

Gwinnett posted their only run of the contest in the ninth inning. Matt Young double to open up the frame. Young would then score on a ground ball by Freddie Freeman. They could not cross any more runs and the Bulls picked up the 9-1 win.

Aneury Rodriguez was the winning pitcher, pitching 7 shut-out innings and only allowing 1 hit while striking out 4 and walking 2. Dale Thayer pitched the last 2 innings and allowed 1 run on 1 hits with a strikeout and a walk.

Bulls Player of the Game: Joe Dillon; 4 for 4 with a double, home run, 2 RBI’s and 3 runs scored.

RP Top Prospect Watch:
Aneury Rodriguez: no runs on 1 hit with 4 strikeouts and 2 walks in 7 innings.

A Look Ahead: The Bulls conclude the series against the Gwinnett Braves on Monday afternoon at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Heath Rollins (0-1, 3.86) will be on the mound for Durham against Ryne Reynoso (0-3, 6.60) for Gwinnett).