August 30, 2008

Niemann, Guzman key Bulls 7-2 win

By Matt Koizim

DURHAM, NC—Jeff Niemann was dazzling in his final start of the regular season and Joel Guzman hit a grand slam in his first at-bat since coming off the disabled list as the Bulls rolled to a 7-2 victory Saturday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

Niemann (9-5, 3.59) had his entire repertoire working for him Saturday, pitching perfect baseball until Paul Phillips singled with two out in the top of the sixth inning. He wound up going 7.2 innings, allowing two runs on four hits and a walk while striking out 11 batters.

Offensively the Bulls took control of the game with Guzman’s grand slam, part of a five-run first inning in which Durham send nine hitters to the plate. Jonny Gomes would later drive in two more Bulls runs with a double in the eighth.

Jeremy Cummings got his first save of the year in 1.1 innings of work, allowing a hit and striking out one. Knights starter Jack Egbert (4-12, 4.65) took the loss in four innings of work, allowing five runs—four earned—on five hits and six walks.

The Bulls travel to Fort Mill, SC as the Knights will host Durham in the final two games of the regular season at Knights Stadium. Sunday’s pitching matchup will feature Durham’s Wade Davis (3-2, 2.68) opposing Charlotte southpaw Wes Whisler (12-9, 3.71). Coverage begins on WRJD-AM 1410 and 99.9 FM The Fan at 4:55 p.m. and game time is at 5:15 p.m.

Then the Bulls will travel to Louisville to begin their first-round matchup against the Bats in the Governors’ Cup Playoffs. Games One and Two of the best-of-five series will be at Louisville Slugger Field and the Bulls will return to the Durham Bulls Athletic Park for Games Three, Four and Five, as necessary.

---DURHAM BULLS---