Mudcats get rain-shortened win, Durham Bulls drop fourth straight

The Carolina Mudcats managed to end their short losing streak on the road Thursday night.

• Photo by Nikolaus © 2010 Carolina Mudcats
• Carolina Mudcats outfielder Denis Phipps

Denis Phipps tripled and single to lead the offense as the Mudcats topped the Chattanooga Lookouts 6-4 in a game stopped by rain after eight innings.

Meanwhile the Bulls’ recent scoring woes continued, as they dropped a 4-0 decision to the host Toledo Mud Hens that was their fifth straight defeat.

The Mudcats play Game 2 of their five-game set with the Lookouts Friday night, while the Bulls will finish up their Toledo series Friday before returning home Saturday against the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Mudcats 6, Chattanooga 4 (8 innings)
Alexander Smit (1-2) picked up his first victory as the Mudcats spent much of the night getting on base and waiting for home team miscues.

Most of the Mudcats’ scoring came on Chattanooga mistakes, as they scored on two wild pitches, a balk and a booted two-out grounder.

Kris Negron also had a triple and a single for Carolina, while Dave Sappelt added a pair of hits with an RBI.
Jesus Castillo (2-4) was the losing pitcher. Philippe Valiquette earned his fourth save.

The Mudcats also had one incoming transaction, as right-hander Scott Carroll joined the club from Lynchburg of the Carolina League.

Toledo 4, Bulls 0
Jeff Frazier’s three-run homer was the key as the Mud Hens scored all their runs in the last four innings.

Max Scherzer (1-0) was the winning pitcher, while Heath Phillips (3-4) took the loss.

The Bulls’ only hits were a Rashad Eldridge double and an Elliot Johnson single.

Friday’s games
Bulls at Toledo, 7 p.m.
Aneury Rodriguez (R, 2-2, 3.77) vs. Armando Galarraga (R, 4-2, 3.92)

Mudcats at Chattanooga, 7:15 p.m.
Matt Klinker (R, 3-3, 1.86) vs. John Koronka (L, 0-2, 4.50)