Scranton Yankees 4, Durham Bulls 2

[Via email from Matt DeMargel.]

Durham, NC – The Bulls four-game win streak came to an end as Scranton topped the Bulls 4-2 Saturday night at the DBAP. Desmond Jennings had a pair of hits in his return to the starting lineup, but it was not enough as a three-run blast by David Winfree after a defensive miscue was too much to overcome.

All of the offensive action took place in the third inning, as a botched rundown brought home the Yankees first run against Bulls starter Carlos Hernandez. With runners at first and third and two outs, Reegie Corona attempted to steal second. After getting caught in a rundown, P.J. Pilittere took off for home and the throw by Bulls shortstop Angel Chavez was errant allowing the run to score. After a walk to Juan Miranda, Winfree followed with a three-run blast to put the Yankees on top 4-0.

The Bulls answered with their only offense of the game in the bottom half of the third against Scranton starter Jason Hirsh. A walk and a stolen base by Rashad Eldridge put a runner at second with one out. Jennings, making his first start since April 22, followed with an RBI single to bring home Eldridge. After Jennings stole second, Elliot Johnson singled to right allowing the second run to come across. Continuing the trend, Johnson stole second to put another run in scoring position, but Hirsh was able to get out of the jam and keep the score at 4-2.

Hirsh earned his third win of the season, allowing just the two runs on four hits while walking five and striking out five. The Scranton bullpen did the rest, as Zack Segovia and Jonathan Albaladejo held the Bulls scoreless over the final 3.2 innings to close out the victory. Segovia tossed 2.2 innings allowing one hit while striking out three, while Albaladejo closed it out in the ninth for his eighth save in as many opportunities.

One bright spot for the Bulls was the performance of right-hander Heath Rollins, who came on in place of Hernandez and had his best outing of the young season. Despite coming into the game with an ERA of 7.88, Rollins worked 3.1 hitless innings while walking two and striking out four. Brian Baker also worked a scoreless 1.2 innings, his fourth such appearance on the year.

The two teams close out the series tomorrow as RHP Jeremy Hellickson (5-0, 2.57) looks to earn his league-leading sixth win against RHP Ivan Nova (2-0 2.43). Game time is set for 5:05 p.m.