Drew Strotman Delivers 5 Innings in Bulls 4-3 Win

NORFOLK VA – Drew Strotman (ND, 4-2) delivered a strong start as the Durham Bulls (26-13) took care of the business on Friday night over the Norfolk Tides (15-22) by a score of 4-3. The Bulls secured their 26th victory in 2021 and have tied up the six-game series versus the Tides 2-2. 

Strotman toed the rubber for his seventh start and was able to put together a solid performance despite struggling with his command. In 85 pitches, Strotman fired 5 innings while surrendering three hits, one earned run, four walks, and seven strikeouts. The four walks are unusual for a guy like Strotman, but it did not play a significant factor. The only trouble he got into was in the bottom of the 4th inning. Tyler Nevin drew a leadoff walk, and Zach Jarrett followed by smacking an RBI double for the Tides lone run against the Bulls right-hander. Strotman then forced a liner and a double play to escape the frame.

Following the outing, Strotman has a 4-2 record with a 4.46 ERA in 34 1/3 pitched and has remained a solid asset for the Bulls rotation. In his first full season at the Triple-A level, the 24-year-old showcases promise and does a fantastic job throwing his outs. He piled up five groundballs in the contest and kept the Tides lineup off-balanced all night long.

A Dalton Kelly pinch-hit grand slam was the momentum shifter for the Bulls offense that put them ahead in the top of the 6th. It was all they needed to win the game. The homer for Kelly was his sixth of the year, and the four RBI brings his total to 18. 

It was a much-needed victory for the Bulls, and they will finish off the series over the weekend. They attempt to remain in first place in the SouthEast Division with the Nashville Sounds right behind them.