Late inning rally lifts Durham Bulls over Gwinnett Braves 4-2

The Game: The Durham Bulls rallied late to defeat the Gwinnett Braves 4-2 on Monday night at Coolray Field.

Gwinnett took the lead in the second inning. Barbaro Canizares doubled to center to lead off the inning. Canizares would later score on a double by Brandon Hicks to give the Braves a 1-0 lead.

The Braves increased their lead in the third inning. Wes Timmons singled to center followed by a walk to Matt Young. Joe Thurston laid down a bunt, losing Timmons at third but moving Young to second. Young moved closer to third with a stolen base and then scored on a sac fly by Barbaro Canizares.

The Bulls battled back to take the lead game in the seventh inning . John Jaso singled to right to start the inning. Angel Chavez and Rashad Eldridge both singled to load the bases. Jaso scored on a bases loaded wild pitch and both runners advanced a base. Fernando Perez drove home the tying run with a sac fly to score Chavez and move Eldridge to third. Matt Joyce then drew an intentional walk. Joe Dillon followed with a two run double to give the Bulls a 4-2 lead.

The Bulls kept Gwinnett off the scoreboard to secure the 4-2 win.

Carlos Hernandez made the start, pitching 5 innings and allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 3 strikeouts and 4 walks. Brian Baker was the winner throwing 2 shut-out innings and allowing 1 hits and strikeouts. Joe Bateman recorded a hold with a shut-out inning. The save went to Joaquin Benoit who pitched a scoreless ninth with 2 hits.

Bulls Player of the Game: Angel Chavez; 3 for 4 with a run scored.

RP Top Prospect Watch:
John Jaso: 1 for 4 with a run scored.

A Look Ahead: The Bulls (3-2) battle the Gwinnett Braves (2-3) again Tuesday night at Coolray Field. Jeremy Hellickson (1-1) is scheduled to pitch against James Parr (0-0).