Bulls Quiet in 5-0 Defeat Versus Jacksonville

JACKSONVILLE FL – On Sunday afternoon, the Durham Bulls (17-7) came back down to earth, getting their eight-game win streak snapped by the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (14-10). Jacksonville routed the Bulls 5-0 in the series finale shutting down their red hot lineup. Despite falling short, the Bulls still took five out of the six games, making a statement to the rest of the division.

Chris Ellis acted as the game’s opening starter for the Bulls, marking their second consecutive bullpen game. Ellis was perfect in his lone frame and added two swinging strikeouts. Adrian De Horta, Joey Krehbiel, Brent Honeywell Jr., Drew Rasmussen, and Yacksel Rios followed Ellis out of the pen. The Jumbo Shrimp cashed four of their five runs off of De Horta (0-2). He lasted three 2/3 innings and gave up five hits and walked one, and struck out one. The Jumbo Shrimp’s production was credited to three long balls hit by Bryson Brigman and two smashed by Corey Bird.     

The Bulls had six base runners reach base and record two hits. Josh A. Smith (2-0) of Jacksonville was dialed in, spinning a gem on the mound. He threw seven shutout innings with two hits, two walks, and punched out six batters. The 33-year-old right-hander had the Bulls number all afternoon long. However, he did have trouble getting Ryan Boldt out, who was responsible for both hits. Boldt is currently hitting over .300 after his multi-hit game and remained consistent out of the clean-up spot.

Brett Eibner and Steven Okert closed the door for the Jumbo Shrimp throwing two hitless innings to secure the 5-0 shutout win.

The Bulls finish the first month of the season, supporting a record of 17-7, and should remain at the top of the standings for the foreseeable future. After finishing up the six-game series in Jacksonville, they will receive the day off Monday and return to action on Tuesday in Durham when they take on the Norfolk Tides