Bulls Shut Out and Sweep Syracuse

Brian Baker and Chris Bootcheck combined to allow just two hits in Durham’s 4-0 win over Syracuse on Sunday night at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Baker (1-2) went six innings for the Bulls allowing one hit and walking two, while striking out a season high six. It was the first time that Baker has thrown more than four innings in a start this season.

The Bulls offense got on the board in the first inning when Justin Ruggiano walked, stole second base and was driven home on a Felipe Lopez single. The big inning for the Bulls came in the seventh when designated hitter Russ Canzler led off with a single, Jose Lobaton drew a walk, and Leslie Anderson singled to load the bases for JJ Furmaniak. Furmaniak singled past the outstretched glove of Chiefs second baseman Alex Valdez to put the Bulls ahead 2-0. Ray Olmedo followed with a two-run single scoring Lobaton and Anderson and putting the Bulls up 4-0.

Bootcheck went three innings out of the bullpen for the Bulls allowing one hit and striking out a season high four. For the Chiefs, Ross Detwiler (2-2) picked up the loss going six innings and allowing six hits and four runs, walking three and striking out six. Jeff Mandel came on in relief for the Chiefs and worked two innings allowing just one hit while striking out three. Syracuse will have to wait till next season to try and snap their losing streak at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park. The Chiefs have lost nine in a row in Durham with their last victory coming on August 8, 2009.

Durham will begin a four game series against Indianapolis at the Durham Athletic Park at 7:05 p.m. on Monday May 9 when they will send Jeremy Hall (0-1 12.15) to the mound against the Indians. The game can be heard on 620 the Buzz, and tickets are available at http://www.durhambulls.com/.