Gameday Stories
August 14, 2007
BULLS MOVE INTO WILD CARD LEAD WITH WIN OVER KNIGHTS
Jason Pridie ignited a three-run rally with a solo home run in the bottom of the seventh inning leading the Bulls to a 4-3 win over the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Playoff rivals Richmond and Rochester both lost, so the Bulls moved within 1.5 games of the South Division lead and took a one game lead in the wild card race.
A solo home run from Kenny Perez put the Knights ahead in the top of the seventh inning, but Pridie answered with a home run in the bottom half of the inning to tie the game again at two. After Evan Longoria doubled, Joel Guzman followed with an RBI-single to put the Bulls ahead, and a double from Wes Bankston extended the lead to 4-2. The Knights threatened in the eighth inning, but only managed to score one run on a sacrifice fly from Earl Snyder.
The Bulls started the scoring in the first inning when shortstop Earl Snyder misplayed a ground ball hit by Joel Guzman with the bases loaded, allowing Brent Butler to score from third. Charlotte managed to tie the game at one though when Alex Sanchez doubled to score Donny Lucy from first base.
RHP Calvin Medlock (4-1) earned the win after pitching 1 1/3 innings, allowing just the home run to Perez, and RHP Chad Orvella earned his 18th save of the season after retiring the side in the ninth. Former Bull RHP Jason Childers (2-2) took the loss after surrendering the three runs on six hits in the seventh inning. Both starters pitched well with RHP Jae Kuk Ryu allowing one run on two hits and a walk while striking out two in five innings for the Bulls, and LHP Heath Phillips allowing one unearned run, seven hits and a walk while striking out five in six innings for the Knights. The Knights' defense also made three errors behind Phillips. The Bulls managed to get 14 hits off of the Knights pitching staff.
The Bulls and Knights will meet again on Wednesday night at 7 PM at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. For tickets, go to www.durhambulls.com or call the box office at (919) 956-BULL.
