- File photo by D.L. Anderson
- Durham Bulls infielder Dan Johnson
Heath Phillips gave up a second-inning solo homer, but that was the only Syracuse hit over the first six innings as the Chiefs lost to the visiting Durham Bulls 8-1 on Saturday.
The win was the fourth straight for the Bulls, who will play two more at Syracuse on Sunday and Monday before returning home on Tuesday night against the Buffalo Bisons.
The Carolina Mudcats didn’t have things go quite as well in the opener of their five-game road set against the Chattanooga Lookouts, falling 7-4.
Bulls 8, Syracuse 1
Phillips improved to 5-4 in the easy win, walking two and striking out one.
Dan Johnson led the Bulls with a pair of doubles and a single with an RBI.
Chris Richard and Elliot Johnson each had two hits and an RBI, while Jose Lobaton added a double with two RBI.
Justin Maxwell had the homer and a single for Syracuse.
Jeff Mandel (2-1) took the loss.
Chattanooga 7, Mudcats 4
Mike Rivera’s homer, double and two singles led the way in the Lookouts’ victory.
Scott Van Slyke added a two-run homer for Chattanooga, which finished with 12 hits to the Mudcats’ 13.
Denis Phipps doubled and singled with an RBI for Carolina, which also got two hits with an RBI from Sean Henry. Jake Kahaulelio chipped in a triple.
Kenley Jansen (3-0) was the winning pitcher, with Jon Huber picking up his fourth save.
Jeremy Horst (1-1) took the loss.
Sunday’s games
Mudcats at Chattanooga, 2:15 p.m.
Alexander Smit (L, 1-4, 8.39) vs. Jesus Castillo (R, 2-6, 2.63)
Bulls at Syracuse, 5 p.m.
Aneury Rodriguez (R, 2-3, 3.57) vs. Shairon Martis (R, 2-4, 4.80)
