
The Durham Bulls got a two RBI double in the very first inning of Friday’s game with the Louisville Bats. That was all they needed as Durham’s pitching shut down Bats hitter en route to a 3-1 victory at Louisville Slugger Field.
It was the Bats’ (17-38) 37th game in which they gave up the first run. They are 7-30 in those contests.
Bulls starter Lance Pendleton shined going six innings giving up just one run on four hits while walking just one and striking out seven. Pendleton improved his record to 2-1 on the season as he lowered his ERA to 2.92.
The Bulls’ (24-32) bullpen combo of Bryan Augenstein and Brandon Gomes went the final three innings, relinquishing just one hit.
The Bats’ lone run came in the second inning on an RBI single by Corky Miller.
Pedro Villarreal (2-2) suffered the loss, giving up three runs on eight hits in 5-2/3 innings of work. Nick Christiani, Josh Judy, and Jordan Smith combined to pitch the final 3-1/3 innings scoreless, giving up just two hits to Bulls hitters.
The teams hook up for game two of the four game set Saturday. Sean Gallagher (4-3, 5.09 ERA) will take the hill for the Bats. The Bulls will counter with Jim Paduch (2-3, 3.73 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:05.