All Hail the Returning Bulls

Game 78: Bulls 4, Clippers 3
Wrap, Box, Indy Week Story

Game 79: Bulls 9, Clippers 6
Wrap, Box, Indy Week Story

The Durham Bulls are back in town this morning after a simply superb road trip. Last night’s hitting fiesta was simply the icing on the cake (total bases of 29 was the best of the year). They have truly earned their day off. They went 6-2 on the road. They scored 54 runs to the Mud Hens’ and Clippers’ 41. There were three 1-run games and the Bulls won two of them. There were three 2-run games and the Bulls won 2 of those.

The Bulls left home 6 games over .500 and in third place in the South Division of the International League. They come home 11 games over .500 and in first place in the South Division.

Without the day of rest, I’d still be concerned about the relief pitching, as I noted a couple of days ago. Last night’s crew (DePaula and Bateman) did poorly on one day’s rest. (Trivia question: If one reliever gives up a bunch of runs, can he then get a save if they still win the game?)

Pleased to see that the Bulls management team finally took my advice and put Jon Weber in leadoff spot — where he started the game with a home run. Of course, they were winning without Jon leading off, but why let facts get in the way?

Sometime today or tomorrow the Rays will dictate the answer at least one the two impending of the starting pitcher questions. If I hear something, I’ll put it up.

Does the July schedule look as odd to you as it does to me? We have only nine games at home, five in the early part of the month and four near the end. And all those with Southern Division teams. Then nineteen games at home in August. Odd, odd scheduling this year.

Charlotte tomorrow night (they’ve won their last five games, too), Andy Sonnanstine on the mound. Should be fun.