Justin Ruggiano’s three-run homer was the biggest hit for the Durham Bulls as they gained a split of their two-game road series with the Charlotte Knights with a 6-4 victory on Wednesday night.
- Photo courtesy Durham Bulls
- Bulls outfielder Justin Ruggiano
Things didn’t go so well for the Carolina Mudcats, who dropped a 4-0 decision in the opener of their four-game set at West Tenn.
The Bulls, who lead the International League’s South Division by 10 games over the Knights, will return home Thursday night for the opener of a two-game set with the Norfolk Tides.
Bulls 6, Charlotte 4
Dan Johnson helped out the Bulls’ cause with his 23rd homer of the season, while J.J. Furmaniak had a double and a single.
Dale Thayer (1-1) was the winning pitcher in relief while R.J. Swindle claimed his second save. Jhonny Nunez was the loser.
Stefan Gartrell had a two-run homer for Charlotte.
West Tenn 4, Mudcats 0
Guillermo Quiroz’ two-run homer off Daryl Thompson (0-4) in the first inning turned out to be all the scoring the Diamond Jaxx would need.
Lo Kuo Hi led West Tenn with a double and a single.
Steve Bray (4-6) went seven innings in the shutout.
Kris Negron and Brandon Yarbrough each had two of the Mudcats’ eight hits.
Thursday’s games
Norfolk at Bulls, 7:05 p.m.
Zach Clark (R, 0-3, 3.06) vs. Richard De Los Santos (R, 6-4, 4.20)
Mudcats at West Tenn, 8:05 p.m.
Travis Webb (L, 3-6, 5.52) vs. Mauricio Robles (L, 6-4, 4.56)