Bulls Get Hot in 5th Inning to Down Stripers

Lawrenceville, GA – The Durham Bulls defeated the Gwinnett Stripers in a 5-2 win that resulted in injuries and strange encounters throughout the game.

Durham lost 7-2 in their matchup with Gwinnett on Wednesday thanks to big plays from Stripers 3B Ryan Bannon and 2B Ozzie Albies.

An unlucky night for Kyle Muller persisted throughout the entire game. It started first with Ruben Cardenas, who hit Muller’s leg and managed to get to first base. Muller was not injured, which became the Bulls’ first hit. Later in the game, Josh Lowe broke his bat and ended up with a base hit – Muller attempted to strike him out but didn’t get to Lowe in time. Lowe attempted to steal second base multiple times and got checked over three times by a skeptical Muller. Lowe walked to second base because of this by fouling out. Later in the game, Muller was hit in the shoulder by a pitch as he was up to bat. He tried to test out his left shoulder with a couple of practice pitches but ultimately, Muller switched out with RHP Ange Perdomo.

Easton McGee, a 24-year-old pitcher for the Durham Bulls, has spent most of his time on the injured list. Coming back to the field in September, he has been slightly shaky with pitching. Pitching the ball with a bit of a struggle, he nearly hit Perez’s right shoulder. Unable to get his nerves under control, Valaika, Casteel, and Hadley manage to get a one-up on Easton Mcgee by getting to first, second, and third base. McGee’s pitches become sloppy over time, many of the balls almost hitting multiple players.

Soon after Ruben Cardenas hit Muller’s leg, Jim Haley hit the ball, and Ruben Cardenas stole second base. After Haley struck out, Cardenas made his way home and earned the first point for the Bulls. At this point, the Stripers are in an unfamiliar spot, down in the game.

Muller soon got in a stumble with Lowe and Hudson on first and second base. Tristan Gray made a double with a disappearing ball that hits off to the far side of the right field. Haley then hits the ball to the right-center field, and Tristan Gray makes his way home to earn another point for Durham, making the score 2-0.

In the midst of a 3-0 Bulls lead, Lowe hit yet another RBI double in favor of the Durham to raise the score to 4-0

Delino Deshields, an underdog of the Stripers, dives headfirst to first base after bunting the ball, causing the Stripers to gain 2 points in the bottom of the fifth.

In a continuum sequence, Edwards hits a second double against RHP Silvino Bracho. Jim Haley, the star of the game, hit a line hard drive to center field and makes his way to first base, the Durham Bulls sitting at a 5-2 lead.

Three offensive stars came to light during the game for the Durham Bulls. Ruben Cardenas, Jim Haley, and Tristan Gray. Cardenas caught an out and then made his way home to earn the first point for the Durham bulls. He smacks another one to third base but tagged out on first base. Cardenas came to bat in the top of the sixth, aired it out to the first base, and became safe.

Haley hits the ball to right center field and makes his way to first base; Grey makes his way home and scores another point for the Durham Bulls, leading a 2-0. The Stripers don’t seem to be catching the balls tonight.

While the Durham Bulls had a couple of stars, Muller and Banon stuck out, as well as tonight’s superheroes. Although losing the game, they both made valuable efforts to help the Stripers.

Muller stood out for his bravery, courageousness, and strong throws/plays. He manages to get a double strike-out play; his pitches were good the entire game, but the offensive Bulls seem to be a problem for Muller.

Banon gets a double after hitting the ball to the right side near the fence during the 6th inning, Durham was unable to receive the ball. He became a great offensive ally for the Stripers; his average continues to rise during the season.

The game ended quickly after the sixth inning, the Durham Bulls maintaining the 5-2 lead. It was clear that after the bottom of the 8th inning, the Stripers had lost all confidence in their abilities. Meanwhile, the Bulls played at the top of their game until the end.

The Bulls are set to play today at 8:05 p.m. against the Stripers once more.