Durham Bulls 4, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees 0

[Via email from Durham Bulls broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

(Moosic, PA) Richard De Los Santos gave Durham seven terrific innings on Wednesday, as the Bulls shut out Scranton on five hits, 4-0.

De Los Santos (4-2) didn't allow a runner past second base until the second inning, and threw an economical 90 pitches over seven frames, walking two and fanning five, while allowing just four hits.

Durham took the lead for good in the fifth against Dustin Moseley (2-3). With two out, Desmond Jennings singled, and moved to second on and Angel Chavez walked. Fernando Perez then smashed a single to center off the mound for a 1-0 lead.

The Bulls added to their lead in the sixth when Matt Joyce walked, and two batters later Dan Johnson blasted a two-run homer to right-center. It was Johnson's team-leading 15th of the season. Johnson drove home Durham's final run in the seventh when he doubled to left scoring Elliot Johnson, who also had a two-base hit. Durham collected 11 hits, with two each from Desmond Jennings, Dan Johnson and Kelly Shoppach (MLB rehab).

Mike Ekstrom and Dale Thayer then followed with scoreless innings after De Los Santos departed. Durham (30-23) has posted four shutouts this season, and has a 5.5 game lead over Gwinnett in the South Division.

Durham will look to take three of four against Scranton on Thursday as LHP Carlos Hernandez squares off against MLB veteran and RHP Tim Redding. Coverage on 620 the Buzz begins at 6:50, with first pitch at 7:05.