WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Bulls Edge Columbus 5-4 in Ninth

Apr 18, 2007

Catcher Raul Casanova's leadoff homer in the ninth ignited a two-run rally, as the Bulls came from behind to beat Columbus 5-4.

After Casanova homered off the scoreboard against Chris Booker (0-1), Jorge Velandia walked and was sacrificed to second by Elliott Johnson. Dustan Mohr struck out, setting the stage for Chris Richard. Richard grounded one to deep at first. Larry Broadway field the ball to first and flipped to first. Richard, with a head first dive, was called safe on a disputed call, and Velandia, running on contact, scored from second for a 5-4 lead.

Columbus had taken a 4-3 lead in the eighth against Chad Orvella (1-0) on a two-out wild pitch that scored former Bull Darnell McDonald. Jeff Ridgway allowed a two-out walk in the ninth to McDonald, but got Tony Batista to ground to short to end the game.

The Durham bullpen allowed only one run and two hits over the final five innings as the Bulls battled back from a 3-0 deficit. The bottom of the Bulls lineup was the story offensively. Justin Ruggiano, Casanova and Velandia all had two hits, and combined to score all five Bulls runs.

Durham, now 6-8, 2-4 on an eight-game road trip, will look to make it two straight on Thursday. RHP Mitch Talbot starts against Tim Redding at 7:50.