Drew Strotman Keeps Rolling in Bulls 7-2 Win

DURHAM NC – Drew Strotman and the Durham Bulls (8-5) took care of business in game one versus the Charlotte Knights (6-7). They defeated the Knights comfortably 7-2 on Tuesday night at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. It was a key home victory for the Bulls kicking off their six-game series on a high note.

The 24-year old right-hander Strotman played a significant role in carrying the Bulls to their eighth win. He went on to post his third consecutive dominant start in what has been an impressive 2021 campaign thus far. Strotman has proved in the early stages of the year that he very well can become the ace that the club will desperately need in a 120 game season. 

He entered the contest, supporting a record of 2-0 while tossing 10 shutout innings, which has improved his career statistics. In 31 career games in the minors before toeing the rubber versus the Knights; he had piled up seven wins to go with a 2.76 ERA in 130 2/3 innings pitched.

The Bulls offense took the pressure off Strotman right from the start as it did not take long for Durham to insert themselves in the run column. A four-run first inning gave Strotman plenty of comfort, and he used that to his advantage. The first three batters reached for the Bulls in Vidal Brujan, Wander, Franco, and Taylor Walls. The runs ultimately came off the bats of Walls, who ripped a two-RBI double, and Ryan Boldt, who blasted his third home run of the year. The 4-0 advantage allowed their starter to settle in easily, and the offense finished off the night recording seven runs. 

Stroman was highly efficient, keeping the Knights hitters off-balanced all night. His fastball was not overpowering, but he does an extremely great job with the pitch placement, making it difficult for any batter to get solid contact. He was superb at getting a lot of his outs from weak contact, which is also credited to the movement he has on all of his pitches.

Strotman finished the evening going six strong innings, allowing just two hits, one earned run, and racked up eight strikeouts in the quality start. His command was tremendous, not issuing a single free pass on 83 pitches. His scoreless streak did come to an end in the top half of the fourth due to a Jake Burger solo homer lined to straightaway center field. It was the first and only mistake he made, and despite allowing a run, it did not rattle him one bit.

The 6 foot 3, 195 pounder retired the last eight Knights he faced, including half of them coming from via strikeout. The performance brings his record to 3-0 still supporting a ridiculous 0.56 ERA in 16 innings of work. He also represents a sub .100 opposing batting average with 18 strikeouts. He has quickly inserted himself as one of the top pitchers in the league in terms of stats with his first three outings. 

The Saint Mary’s product, who is expected to receive his college degree next week, is finding his identity at the AAA level in fashion. As long as he can remain consistent throwing strikes and getting weak contact, he should play a vital role for the Bulls throughout the entirety of the season.