Sometimes, a bench clearing incident just gives a team that little extra push it needs to get going. For the second consecutive day, Durham kept a normally raging Buffalo Bison offense dormant to win 7-3.
Snapping a 1-1 tie in the bottom of the sixth, the Bulls exploded offensively for six runs, capped by a monstrous Jonny Gomes three-run home run. After a brilliant eight-inning performance by Jim Magrane, Durham has a commanding 2-0 lead in their best-of-five opening-round playoff series as the teams head to Buffalo for the remaining games.
The Bulls’ sixth-inning offensive spurt came after Buffalo reliever Jack Cressend plunked Charlie Gipson in the arm. The two exchanged some choice words, both benches cleared and the teams argued around the mound until the umpires broke up the crowd.
The near-brawl was just what the Bulls needed. The team poured it on with a single by Keith Osik, an RBI single by Luis Ordaz and a walk by Gathwright. With the bases loaded, first baseman Jason Maxwell ended Cressend’s night when he ripped a two-run single up the middle. To top off the six-run inning, Gomes ripped a three-run homer off of reliever Lee Gronkiewicz.
After a pair of scoreless innings, the Bulls’ bullpen struggled through the ninth. Two runs crossed the plate and the Bison had runners at first and third, but Durham got out of the inning to leave town with a 7-3 victory.
Although the Bulls ultimately won the game with their hot bats, Magrane keep the team in the game until it broke the contest open in the sixth. For second consecutive game, the Bison, who usually plate six runs per game, were held well under their average.
Marvelous defensive plays by second baseman Brooks Badeaux also saved several of runs.
Both teams staggered out of the gate, wasting solid scoring chances. In the top of the first, Buffalo threatened after consecutive singles by left fielder Jason Tyner and Jhonny Peralta. Magrane got out of the inning with some crafty pitching and a marvelous showing of athleticism, when he snagged a one hopper to start a 1-6-3 double play.
In the bottom of the second, the Bulls had their first good scoring chance when Jared Sandberg and Gipson hit consecutive singles. With two on and two out, however, a good defensive play by Buffalo second baseman Brandon Phillips ended the inning.
The Bison continued to apply pressure in the top of the third, as Phillips, a former Expos top prospect, ripped a line drive up the middle with one out. On a miscommunication by outfielders Joey Gathwright and Gipson, Phillips scored from first on a Peralta single with two outs. Durham breathed a sigh of relief when Badeaux saved at least one run, snagging a ball off the bat of Grady Sizemore.
The Bisons wasted another great scoring opportunity in the top of the fifth. The visitors began the inning with three consecutive singles but ultimately failed to score a run. Magrane struck out the fourth hitter Peralta looking and then induced a 5-3 double play when Ernie Young hit a ball sharply down the third base line.
The Bulls leave for Buffalo needing to win only one-of-three games to go on to the International League Championship next week. With the way they have played the last two games, the Bison are most definitely shaking in their hooves.
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