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Bulls

Durham Bulls set Triple-A record with 84th win

By Durham Bulls

Aug 29, 2010

(Fort Mill, SC) Chris Richard's three-run homer in the seventh broke a 5-5 tie, as Durham won 8-5 at Charlotte, setting a franchise Triple-A record with the team's 84th win of the year.

Richard's homer to left center, his 16th, was his fourth hit of the day, and capped a four RBI game. The homer off Greg Aquino (1-6) followed walks earlier in the inning to Desmond Jennings and Justin Ruggiano.

The homer enabled Durham (84-51) to pick snap a four-game losing streak. The Bulls had a built a 5-0 lead, only to see Charlotte tie the game with four in the sixth against Mike Ekstrom (6-1).

Richard De Los Santos, Durham's likely game one playoff starter, was lifted intentionally after five innings to limit his workload. De Los Santos (14-5) leads the IL in victories, and has set a career in innings pitched with 144.2. He allowed a run on three hits over the first five innings. Winston Abreu finished up for his team-best 22nd save.

In addition to Richard's effort at the plate, catcher Nevin Ashley hit a two-run homer in his Triple-A debut. Ruggiano reached base four times and scored three of the team's eight runs.

The Bulls, who finished the regular season 41-30 on the road, now head home for the final eight games of the regular season. Durham can set a franchise record for victories by winning six of the final eight. The 1962 team won 89 games.

RHP Ramon Ortiz takes the hill for Durham on Monday in a 7:05 start. Coverage on 620 the Buzz begins at 6:50. Tickets are available at www.durhambulls.com.