Durham drops defensive battle in game five

The Durham Bulls (38-33) fell to the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (38-33) 1-0 on Saturday to trim their series lead in the six-game set to 3-2 at 121 Financial Park.

Saturday’s contest was a defensive showdown between the teams as the lone score came in the fourth inning as CF Billy Hamilton gave Jacksonville the go ahead run on an RBI double. Despite not reaching the plate during the contest, the Bulls were led offensively by CF Ryan Boldt's three hits, while RF Grant Witherspoon contributed two knocks.

Despite picking up the loss, Bulls starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough had a stellar outing in five innings of work, allowing one run on six hits and ringing up eight strikeouts. The relief pitching staff of Seth Blair, Dalton Moats, and Zack Erwin held the Jumbo Shrimp scoreless in three innings of work, allowing no runs on two hits and ringing up four strikeouts. Jacksonville starting pitcher Nick Neidert picked up the win.

The Bulls continue their two-week road trip on Sunday for the series finale against the Jumbo Shrimp. RHP Louis Patino is expected to start for Durham and LHP Matthew Kent is expected to start for Jacksonville. First pitch is slated for 6:35 pm.

Following their 12-game road trip, Durham returns home on Monday, July 4 to start a six-game series against the Memphis Redbirds, the Triple-A affiliate of the St. Louis Cardinals. First pitch of that contest is set for 3:05 pm.