Mudcats extend PDC with Reds before loss, Bulls win sixth straight game

The Carolina Mudcats fell short in a pitchers’ duel on Saturday, but the organization announced some big news.
Carolina, which has been the Cincinnati Reds’ Double-A affiliate for the past two seasons, has had its Player Development Contract with the organization extended for two seasons.

• Photo by Nikolaus © 2010 Carolina Mudcats
• Mudcats infielder Kris Negron

Meanwhile the Durham Bulls had a better outcome in their pitchers’ duel at Norfolk, winning 1-0 to claim their sixth straight win.

Mobile 2, Mudcats 1
Winning pitcher Josh Collmenter (7-2) helped his own cause with an RBI double while Bryan Byrne added a pair of hits with an RBI for the BayBears.

Scott Carroll went seven innings for the Mudcats, allowing a run on six hits with three strikeouts against one walk before Ruben Medina took the loss in relief. Daniel Stange picked up his eighth save for Mobile.

Chris Denove had three hits for Carolina, while Kris Negron chipped in a double and a single to stretch his hitting streak to 19 games.

Bulls 1, Norfolk 0
Justin Ruggiano’s eighth-inning double produced the game’s only RBI and gave the Bulls their 80th win of the season.

Brian Baker (8-4) combined with R.J. Swindle and Winston Abreu — who collected his 20th save of the season — for a two-hitter for the Bulls. The Bulls are tied for the league lead with 13 shutouts.

Kam Mickolio (3-3) was the losing pitcher.

Sunday's games
Mobile at Mudcats, 2 p.m.
Tom Layne (L,11-5, 3.78) vs. Jordan Hotchkiss (R, 0-0, 0.00)

Bulls at Norfolk, 6:15 p.m.
Bobby Livingston (L, 3-8, 5.34) vs. Tim Bascom (R, 2-7, 8.01)