Bulls Lose Game 1

Durham Bulls 4; Louisville Bats 8
Series (best of five): 0-1
Wrap, Box, Herald-Sun, Bats Website, Louisville Courier-Journal

Maybe, just maybe, if Montoyo had gone to the bullpen at the beginning of the 6th the Bulls could have stayed in the game. But he didn’t and they didn’t. After Richard De Los Santos’ had a really rough 2nd inning (four runs scored), he had three pretty good ones. But the three run homer in the 6th finished it off.

In the meantime, a couple of good things happened.

• Angle Chavez was back on the field, playing third. Unfortunately, he was 0-4 at bat and we are hoping that it wasn’t because of problems gripping the bat with his injured hand.
• Dale Thayer had a solid relief appearance.
• Leslie Anderson hit a home run, only his third as a Bull.

The big story of the game, however, was a that a bunch of Carolina Mudcats (the photos had not even been updated) who had just been called up got lots of hits and scored lots of runs off Durham Bulls. Here’s hoping those kids settle down and get a few lessons from their elders tonight.

Looking for a difference between the Major Leagues and AAA? Look no further than the fact that Bulls are taking a bus (busses?) back to Durham for Friday's game. They'll get on a bus as soon as tonight's game is over and drive through the night. Small comfort that Louisville will be doing the same thing. (As will all the teams in the Governors' Cup playoffs).

Over in Columbus, the Clippers took the lead in their series with the Yankee with a walk-off home run in the 10th. Stories here and here.