Saturday was a good night on the road for the Triangle’s pro baseball teams, as the Durham Bulls moved one notch closer to another title in the International League South while the Carolina Mudcats ended a five-game losing streak.
- Photo courtesy Durham Bulls
- Bulls outfielder Desmond Jennings
The Bulls split a doubleheader with the Gwinnett Braves, falling 4-1 and then winning 6-2, while the Mudcats rolled to a 6-1 win over the Jacksonville Suns.
The Mudcats will play two more games in Jacksonville before returning home Wednesday night against the Mobile BayBears.
Durham’s next home game is Aug. 24 against the Norfolk Tides.
Gwinnett 4, Bulls 2 (First game)
For the second straight day, the G-Braves jumped on the Bulls for a four-run first inning.
Freddie Freeman had a double and a single with an RBI to lead Gwinnett’s attack.
J.J. Furmaniak doubled with an RBI for Durham.
Michael Broadway (2-0) was the winning pitcher, while Brian Shouse took the loss in his Triple-A debut.
Bulls 6, Gwinnett 2 (Second game)
Desmond Jennings led the way with three hits including a double and an RBI as the Bulls won their 74th game and cut their magic number to 10 to eliminate the second-place Charlotte Knights from a playoff spot.
Angel Chavez also had three hits as the Bulls outhit the Braves 13-6.
R.J. Swindle (2-3) was the winning pitcher, while Tim Gustafson (7-6) took the loss.
Freeman homered for Gwinnett.
Mudcats 6, Jacksonville 1
Devin Mesoraco tripled, doubled and singled twice for two RBI to lead the Mudcats.
Luis Terrero added a homer and a double for Carolina.
Matt Klinker (6-6) was the winning pitcher, while Jose Rosario (3-3) took the loss.
The Mudcats also made a transaction, as right-handed pitcher Justin Freeman has joined the club from Lynchburg with fellow righty Nick Christiani going down to Lynchburg.
Sunday’s games
Bulls at Gwinnett, 2:05 p.m.
TBA vs. Jose Ortegano (L, 3-8, 6.23)
Mudcats at Jacksonville, 3:05 p.m.
Scott Carroll (R, 3-7, 3.82) vs. Elih Villanueva (R, 12-4, 2.22)
