Only one win on the farm. An offensive burst from the Skychiefs, a pitchers duel in Manchester, and a rough night for Danny Core.
Durham 5, Syracuse 18
Needless to say, it was a good night for the hitters. John-Ford Griffin was the only Skychief left hitless on the night, though he did walk once. The bottom five in the order combined for 15 hits, including 4 from Gabe Gross. The starter, Josue Matos, was hurt by the long ball. In all he gave up 3 homeruns in 4.1 innings including 2 to Canadian Pierre-Luc (Pete) LaForest. Matt Duff pitched solidly once again in long relief to pick up the win. Jason Alfaro also added 3 hits, including a homerun, and 4 RBI.
Portland 3, New Hampshire 1
We were promised a pitcher's duel and we sure got one. Vince Perkins and Jon Papelbon went mano a mano but the game would eventually be decided by the bullpens. The Jays only managed 1 hit off of Papelbon but they made it count. Eric Kratz doubled to lead off the fifth inning, moved to third on a balk, and scored on a Raul Tablado sac fly. The Fisher Cats held the lead until the eighth inning when Perkins gave up a solo homerun to tie the match up. Both bullpens held the fort until the twelfth when Bubbie Buzachero came in and promptly gave up 4 hits and 2 runs in his inning to pick up the loss.
Clinton 9, Lansing 2
Danny Core took the start and was not a pretty sight. His third inning went like this: ground out, single, homer, homer, single, double, single, single and then the hook. Among the few bright spots in the game were Chip Cannon's 2 run homerun and 3 shutout innings of relief from Juan Perez who has had a rough year thus far.
The Three Stars!
Third star: Gabe Gross
Second star: Vince Perkins
First star: Jason Alfaro
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