Durham Bulls 8, Syracuse Chiefs 1

[Via email from Neil Solondz.]

(Syracuse, NY) Heath Phillips allowed just one hit over the first six innings, as Durham rolled to its fourth straight win on Saturday, 8-1 over Syracuse.

The Bulls (33-23) are 10 over .500 for the first time since they were 14-4, and have won four in a row by a combined score of 27-4.

Durham took control of this game in the second innings against Jeff Mandel (2-1). A Dan Johnson infield hit and two walks loaded the bases with one out. Desmond Jennings grounded slowly to short, and Pedro Lopez tried to get Johnson at home. His throw was low and not handled, as Johnson scored on the first of three Syracuse errors. Jose Lobaton followed with a two-run opposite field double to left, and a J.J. Furmaniak sac fly made it 4-0.

Phillips (5-4) allowed a solo homer in the bottom of the second to Justin Maxwell, but it was the only hit he gave up. Phillips walked two and hit one, and retired his final 10 batters. Joe Bateman, Brian Baker, and Dale Thayer each worked an inning to complete the five-hitter.

Durham then tacked on single runs in the third through the sixth innings against Mandel and Colin Balester. Durham collected 10 hits and four walks. Dan Johnson led the way by going 3-for-4 with two doubles, two runs scored an an RBI.

The Bulls have clinched a winning road trip by starting the eight-game stretch at 5-1. Durham will look to go 11 over .500 for the first time this year on Sunday. Aneury Rodriguez starts against Shairon Martis in a battle of righties. Coverage begins at 4:45 on 620 the Buzz with first pitch at 5 pm.