WRAL Sports Fan

WRALSportsFan

Sonnanstine Sensational, Bulls Shut Out Norfolk 3-0

May 4, 2007

Reigning IL Pitcher of the Week Andy Sonnanstine got out of a bases-loaded none-out jam in the third, then combined with Chad Orvella on an eight-hit shutout in a 3-0 win over Norfolk.

The Bulls split the four-game series with the Tides, winning the last two to improve to 13-16.

Norfolk loaded the bases in the third on seeing-eye ground singles by Alberto Castillo and Eider Torres and a bunt hit by Brandon Fahey. Sonnanstine then buckled down to fan Cesar Crespo and J.R. House and got Mike Cervenak to fly to shallow left to end the threat.

Durham answered with two in the next fourth inning against Garrett Olson (0-3). Jorge Velandia tripled to right center and came home on Justin Ruggiano's ground single to left. Ruggiano stole second and scored on a two-out double to right center by Dustan Mohr. Olson then retired 13 straight, striking out seven Bulls.

Sonnanstine was just as sharp, as he didn't allow a runner past first after the third. Durham scored an insurance run in the ninth, as Ruggiano walked with one out against Paul Shuey, stole second, and scored on Wes Bankston's single to center. Bankston went 9-for-17 in the series.

Chad Orvella finished up for his fifth save, allowing just a single in the ninth. Orvella now has picked up saves on back-to-back days twice this year.

Durham, 2-2 on a six-game road trip, will be in Richmond on Saturday. Mitch Talbot starts for Durham.