Durham Bulls fall to Buffalo Bisons 9-5

The Game: The Durham Bulls kicked off the road trip with a 9-5 loss to the Buffalo Bisons on Tuesday night at Coca-Cola Field.

The Bulls broke the scoreless tie in the fourth inning. Justin Ruggiano and Hank Blalock got things started with back to back singles. Dan Johnson then drove home Ruggiano with a single to right. Joe Dillon drove home the second run by hitting into a double play with Blalock scoring on the play. Chris Richard followed with a solo home run to give the Bulls a 3-0 lead.

Buffalo battled back to take the lead in the bottom of the fourth. Ruben Tejada and Jason Pridie singled to put runners on the bases. Jesus Feliciano was then struck by a pitch to load the bases. Mike Jacobs drove home three runs with a double to left field. Then Mike Hessman cleared the bases with a home run to give the Bisons a 5-3 lead.

The Bulls came back to tie the game in the fifth inning. Elliot Johnson singled to left then scored on a double by Hank Blalock. Blalock later scored on a single by Dan Johnson to tie the game 5-5.

The Bisons regained the lead in the home half of the fifth. Omir Santos drew a walk to get things started. Andy Green advanced the runner to third with a double to left. Santos would then score on a ground out by Ruben Tejada to take a 6-5 lead.

The Bisons added three more runs in the eighth inning. Ruben Tejada singled to lead off the inning. Jesus Feliciano double home the run with a double to right. Mike Hessman cleared the bases with his second home run of the night to hand Buffalo a 9-5 win.

Carlos Hernandez pitched 4 innings and allowed 5 runs on 7 hits with a strikeout and 3 walks. Joaquin Benoit was charged with the loss, allowing 1 run on 1 hit with a walk and a strikeout. Joe Bateman pitched 2 no-hit innings in relief. Brian Baker allowed 3 runs on 3 hits in the final frame.

Bulls Player of the Game: Hank Blalock; 2 for 5 with a double, RBI and 2 runs scored.

RP Top Prospect Watch: n/a

A Look Ahead: The Bulls will play Buffalo in game two of the series on Wednesday night. Jeremy Hellickson (3-0, 2.38) will start for Durham.