Bulls Routed by Knights in a Pitcher’s Duel

DURHAM NC – The Durham Bulls (24-11) were defeated in the series finale against the Charlotte Knights (13-22) 1-0 on Sunday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Bulls managed to win the series 4-2 but suffered a tough loss in a pitcher’s duel where the two clubs combined for seven total hits and one run. It was a much different game at the plate for the Bulls on Sunday, who totaled 36 runs in the previous five games versus Knights pitching and 11 in yesterday’s contest.

Jimmy Lambert (W, 1-0) for Charlotte spun a gem on the bump and had the stingy Bulls offense on lockdown all game long. He tossed a shutout in 5 innings allowing two hits, a walk, and four strikeouts. He needed only 64 pitches to get through the outing, throwing 42 of those for strikes.

A Wander Franco single in the bottom of the 1st inning and a Dalton Kelly double in Lambert’s last inning in the 5th was the only damage done. The Knights bullpen dominantly followed their starter, going 4 innings with four punchouts, and did not allow a walk or hit.

Drew Rasmussen (ND, 2-0) toed the rubber for the Bulls, recording his first start of the campaign. Bulls manager Brady Williams has been following Rays skipper Kevin Cash’s footsteps utilizing their bullpen instead of naming a legitimate starter. Mainly to give his starters an extra day of rest. Rasmussen lasted 1 1/3 innings, did not surrender a hit or a walk, and struck out two.

Brian Moran, Chris Ellis (L, 0-1), Chaz Roe, David Hess, Chris Mazza, and Adam Conley relieved duties from Rasmussen the rest of the way. They certainly did their job, but it did not matter with the Bulls lineup’s lack of production. The only run of the ballgame came in the top half of the 4th inning from a Gavin Sheets solo blast to right-center field off Eliis, who suffered his first loss of the season. 

The Bulls will enjoy their day off on Monday to recuperate from their defeat and will travel to Norfolk to take on the Tides (13-20), beginning a six-game series on Tuesday, June 15th.