D. Johnson homer lifts Bulls, Mudcats fall to 0-2 in second half

Dan Johnson’s three-run homer was the key hit for the Durham Bulls as they beat the Indianapolis Indians 7-6 on the road Wednesday afternoon.

But things didn’t go as well for the Carolina Mudcats, who dropped to 0-2 in the second half with a 6-5 road loss to the Tennessee Smokies.

The Bulls will return home Friday night against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs, while the Mudcats’ next home game is on Monday against the Jacksonville Suns.

Bulls 7, Indianapolis 6
Joe Bateman (3-0) was the winning pitcher while Winston Abreu, who is perfect in six save chances this season, picked up the save.

Brian Bass (2-2) suffered the loss.

Johnson finished with four RBI for Durham, which got a pair of hits for two RBI from Joe Dillon. Desmond Jennings had a double and single and scored thrice.

Tennessee 5, Mudcats 4
Tony Campana had three hits including a pair of doubles with an RBI to lead the Smokies.

Jose Castro had a double and two singles with two RBI to pace the Mudcats, while Devin Mesoraco homered.

Jeremy Papelbon (1-0) got the victory, while Luke Sommer picked up his third save of the year.

Joe Krebs (3-2) took the loss.

Thursday’s games
Bulls at Indianapolis, 7 p.m.
Aneury Rodriguez (R, 3-4, 4.04) vs. TBA

Mudcats at Tennessee, 7:15 p.m.
Scott Carroll (R, 1-2, 2.21) vs. Craig Muschko (R, 2-3, 4.74)