Matt Torra had yet another solid start, getting plenty of offensive help along the way as the Durham Bulls ended their homestand on a high note with a 6-1 win over the Rochester Red Wings.
The result left Durham, which has already begun selling playoff tickets, with a two-game lead over the second-place Gwinnett Braves in the International League’s South Division.
Torra (2-1) went seven innings and allowed one run on five hits with three strikeouts against no walks. Liam Hendricks (2-2) took the loss.
“He was very good,“ Bulls manager Charlie Montoyo said. “That’s two straight good outings, very good. I’m very happy to see that. He’s using his changeup more, keeping hitters off balance and staying away from walks.”
Durham outhit the Red Wings 11-6 as Justin Morneau went 0-for-4 in his final rehab appearance against the Bulls.
Ray Olmedo doubled and singled with two RBI for the Bulls, while Russ Canzler added a pair of hits including his third triple of the season.
“I think (the triple) was just an outside pitch so I was sinking my front shoulder into my swing,” Canzler said. “It got going out of the box, I hit it on a line pretty well and it was kind of on me. I didn’t have time to pick up Charlie. I thought I had an opportunity. It’s kind of a gamble with nobody out, but I got a good read, and with (Stephen) Vogt hitting behind me tonight it was almost like a free RBI.”
Tim Beckham went 1-for-4 in his Triple-A debut for Durham.
“Things are going good,” Beckham said. “I got that first knock out of the way and that always helps out. I just tried to help out the team a little bit. I hit it on the barrel, so you can’t ask for too much.”
Rochester’s run came on a Dustin Martin solo homer in the seventh inning.
The Bulls will embark on a 10-game road trip on Friday, visiting the Buffalo Bisons at 7:35 p.m. in the opener of a four-game series. Matt Moore (1-1, 5.64) will go for the Bulls against lefty Pat Misch (6-7, 4.60).
Outfielder Justin Ruggiano is scheduled to join the Bulls Friday on a Major League rehab assignment set to last the rest of the month.
The Bulls’ next home game will be Aug. 23 against the Norfolk Tides.
Comments