Monday, June 21, 2010

Bulls Help Hellickson Win Ninth

[Recap provided by Neil Solondz of the Durham Bulls.]

(Louisville, KY) Jeremy Hellickson pitched seven strong innings for his league-leading ninth victory, and Omar Luna went 4-for-4 as the Bulls won a Father's Day matchup at Louisville, 5-1.

Hellickson, staked to a 2-0 lead in the first, didn't allow a runner past second over the first five innings. After he gave up a single to Chris Burke and a run-scoring double to right-center Zack Cozart to start the sixth, he retired six of his next seven batters to keep the game at 2-1.

Hellickson (9-2) went seven innings and walked just one, allowing a run on five hits while striking out six. He threw first-pitch strikes to 21 of 27 batters.

Durham gave its bullpen some cushion in the eighth, scoring three two-out runs. Jose Lobaton walked with two out against Enerio Del Rosario, putting runners at first and second. Luna drove the next pitch into right for his second double of the day, and a 3-1 lead. Justin Ruggiano followed with a two-run single to left to cap the scoring.

Luna went 7-for-14 in the series, with hits in all four games while playing a flawless second baset. Heading into the set, the little-used utility player had just four total hits between Charlotte (Florida State League) and Montgomery (Southern League). Ruggiano, Chris Richard and Angel Chavez each had two of Durham's 12 hits. Starter Travis Wood (4-6) took the loss.

The Bulls, now a league-best 41-28, split the four-game series with Louisville, and are 2-3 on a nine-game road trip. The Bulls continue their road trip against Indianapolis on Monday at 7 p.m. Coverage on 620 the Buzz begins at 6:45. Lefty Carlos Hernandez starts against righty Daniel McCutchen.

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