Bitten By the Bats

Season: 43-30; Road Trip: 5-3
Wrap, Box, Louisville Courier-Journal

Enny Romero has now had two very decent starts, only to end up with a loss and last night’s no-decision. He’s coming along very well. But C.J. Riefenhauser got tagged with a two-run homer in the 8th and that was enough to win.

Unfortunately, when the Bulls got runners in scoring position, they couldn’t get them home (they left 11 runners on base), so while they outperformed the Bats in most categories, they still lost the game.

Veteran Shelley Duncan, who played for the Durham Bulls last year was on the field in a Louisville Bats uniform, batting as DH. He had a key hit, RBI, and a walk. Duncan is one of those players that we like even when his numbers don’t quite support our enthusiasm. See our review of what he did for us last year.

In a feature mentioned at the link and re-printed in that beautiful book, Bull City Summer, Duncan refers to himself as a “hitter”, not a first baseman or a baseball player, just “hitter.” And that’s what he is. Very pleased to see him back in baseball (he was unsigned at the start of the season). Now, if he will just be quiet for another game or two till the Bulls get out of town.

Outside the game —

• Jerry Sands is having a good time as a pinch-hitter with the Rays, even though he broke three bats in one AB in one game (but hit the winning RBI). Last night he had the winning home run. Sure wish he could make it back for the upcoming Home Run Derby. Dan Johnson, Shelley Duncan, Jerry Sands, and Wilson Betemit.  Could we get Chris Richard back to be the umpire? Now wouldn’t that be fun to watch?
• Now there's a list for you? Who are the great Durham Bulls home run hitters — muscle, that would be on your Durham Bulls fantasy team? [maybe we should save that for an off-season exercise]
• Also at Rays Index is an interesting speculation regarding the holes if the Rays decide to blow themselves up during or after this season. Where would the current Bulls roster fit if they did?