Monday, June 29, 2009

Durham Bulls Beat Columbus Clippers 8-7 In 13

Durham Bulls[Via email from the Durham Bulls' broadcaster Neil Solondz.]

Justin Ruggiano delivered a two-out run-scoring single in the 13th, as Durham won its third straight, 8-7 over Columbus on Sunday.

Ruggiano's two-strike single to center off Masa Kobayashi (2-2) scored Henry Mateo from second. Mateo had walked with one out and advanced to second on Reid Brignac's third hit, a single to right.

It was Ruggiano who had saved the game in the 12th, as he ran down Andy Marte's deep drive to left center with Niuman Romero at first. Had the ball fallen, Romero probably would have scored the winning run.

Julio DePaula made the run stand up by picking up his first save of the season with a scoreless 13th. For Ruggiano, it was his third game-winning hit of the road trip. He also had the game-winning single on Friday in a 15-inning victory over Toledo.

Joe Bateman (4-1) got the win with two scoreless innings. He worked his way through a first-and-third one out situation in the 11th to keep the game going.

Durham (43-34) has won three straight and is 4-2 on an eight-game road trip. The Bulls are all alone in first place for the first time since June 13th.

In addition to Ruggiano's heroics, Durham also received 13 hits, three from Brignac and Rhyne Hughes, who hit his 4th homer for Durham.

The Bulls and Clippers (34-43) meet again on Monday at 7:05 with Wade Davis (6-4) on the mound. Coverage on 99.9 the Fan ESPN Radio begins at 6:55 with first pitch at 7:05.

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