Top Tampa Bay Rays prospect Taj Bradley makes Durham debut, while Mudcats split again

The Durham Bulls and the Carolina Mudcats each won a series and tied a series coming out of their All-Star breaks. In a quick three-game series against the Norfolk Tides (46-52), top Tampa Bay Rays prospect Taj Bradley made his Triple-A debut. Through five scoreless innings, Bradley struck out eight and allowed three hits in a 5-3 Bulls win.

The Bulls (54-45) came out firing after the All-Star break. After sweeping the Tides (46-52), Durham pulled out three wins against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs — the Triple-A affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies — while also dropping three games.

Across the week, the Bulls’ inconsistent pitching plagued them.

In Game 1 of the six-game series, Durham dropped the contest to Lehigh Valley. The IronPigs jumped on the Bulls in the first inning, scoring four runs. Durham chipped away at the deficit, scoring a single run in the first, third, and ninth inning, but couldn’t overcome the deficit.

Durham rebounded in Game 2 with a dominant 11-4 win. The Bulls’ bats woke up and powered Durham to a win. Ford Proctor cranked a home run (6) to bring in three runs. Tommy Romero threw four innings, allowing two runs and two walks.

Game 3 allowed the Bulls to build momentum as Durham captured a 5-3 victory. The long ball proved to be the great equalizer in this contest. Jonathan Aranda, Grant Witherspoon and Ruben Cardenas each knocked a home run out of Durham Bulls Athletic Park. Kevin Herget threw five innings, allowing one run and striking out eight.

Durham’s roll continued in Game 4, with the Bulls capturing a 5-1 victory. Easton McGee hurled five innings and allowed one run. The Durham pitching staff combined to strike out 11 IronPigs batters. Ryan Boldt (7) and Jim Haley (14) each cranked home runs.

The Bulls fell in Game 5, 7-6. Lehigh Valley jumped out to a 4-0 lead before the Bulls battled back. Durham scored two runs in the sixth and eighth inning, cutting the lead to 7-4. Durham’s rally attempt ended after scoring two runs in the bottom of the ninth.

Durham’s pitching staff struggled in a 7-2 loss in Game 6.

The Bulls travel to take on the Worcester Red Sox (51-48), the Boston Red Sox Triple-A affiliate, this week.

Mudcats inconsistencies continue

The Mudcats (48-48) continued their up-and-down season after the all-star break. Carolina won the first two games of their series against the Fayetteville Woodpeckers (41-53), the Single-A affiliate of the Houston Astros.

The offense surged during the first two games, scoring a combined 14 runs. Catcher Jesus Chirinos collected three hits in Game 2. Fernando Olguin went five innings, allowing two runs and walking three.

After scoring 14 runs in Games 1 and 2, the offense dried up in Games 3-5. Carolina scored four runs during the three consecutive losses. In Game 3, the Mudcats struck out 16 times and were 0-for-3 with runners in scoring position.

The loss in Game 4, was a 2-1 pitcher’s duel. The Mudcats struck out 18 times in the contest. The Woodpeckers struck out eight times. The Mudcats were 0-for-10 with runners in scoring position. Miguel Segura struck out seven and allowed one run.

Carolina dropped Game 5 before rebounding and winning the series finale. The Mudcats did a better job capitalizing on runners in scoring position, converting 4-of-11 opportunities. Chirino’s 10th-inning double brought in the game-winning run for the Mudcats.

Carolina next host Kannapolis (44-52) — the Single-A affiliate of the Chicago White Sox — for a six-game tilt.