The Durham Bulls may be one night away from another title in the International League’s South Division.
- Photo courtesy Durham Bulls
- Bulls infielder J.J. Furmaniak
Leslie Anderson had his first Triple-A homer, leading the Bulls to an 8-6 road win over the Norfolk Tides and cutting their magic number to two to clinch the title.
Meanwhile the Carolina Mudcats moved a step closer to their inevitable elimination, falling 6-1 at home to the Mobile BayBears.
Game 2 of the Bulls’ seven-game, two-city series with the Tides is tonight in Norfolk, while the Mudcats will host Game 3 of their series against Mobile.
Bulls 8, Norfolk 6
Anderson finished with two hits and a pair of RBI in Durham’s win.
J.J. Furmaniak doubled with two singles and an RBI for the Bulls, who finished with five extra-base hits and five players with multiple-hit games.
Dale Thayer (3-1) was the winning pitcher while Frank Mata (3-3) took the loss. Winston Abreu picked up his 19th save of the season.
Robert Andino had a homer and two singles for three RBI for the Tides.
Mobile 6, Mudcats 1
Konrad Schmidt doubled with two singles to lead an 11-hit attack as the BayBears got their second straight easy win in the series.
Kyler Newby (3-2) was the winning pitcher, while James Avery (0-3) took the loss.
Luis Terrero doubled and singled with the RBI for the Mudcats, while Kris Negron also chipped in a double and a single.
Friday’s games
Mobile at Mudcats, 7:15 p.m.
Ryan Cook (R, 0-0, 0.00) vs. Matt Klinker (R, 6-6, 2.65)
Bulls at Norfolk, 7:15 p.m.
Ramon Ortiz (R, 0-0, 0.00) vs. Zach Britton (L, 2-2, 3.12)
