Niemann Dazzles as Bulls Even Series at One

Bulls RHP Jeff Niemann (2-0) allowed just one run on six hits while striking out nine batters over eight innings in a 5-1 victory over the Richmond Braves in Game 2 of the final round of the 2007 Governors’ Cup Playoffs on Wednesday night. The best-of-five series is tied at one game apiece as the two teams head north to Richmond for Games 3-5.

The Bulls took charge in the sixth inning, chasing RHP Blaine Boyer (0-1) from the game after Justin Ruggiano singled and Chris Richard walked to start the inning. Boyer’s replacement, RHP Phil Stockman, was unable to stop the Bulls offense as Longoria doubled to score Ruggiano and Michel Hernandez singled to score Richard and Longoria. The Braves were unable to overcome the deficit as the Braves managed just one more hit off Niemann and none off RHP Shawn Camp, who pitched a perfect ninth inning. The Bulls added an insurance run in the eighth inning when Brooks Badeaux doubled to score Hernandez from first base.

Leadoff batter Jon Weber scored the Bulls first run of the game after leading off with a walk and eventually scoring from second on a two-out single from Longoria. The Braves only run came in the third inning with a home run from Gregor Blanco.

In addition to the home run, Niemann allowed just five other hits without issuing a single walk in his longest outing of the season. He previously had pitched into the seventh inning just four times in 25 starts this year, and lasted just five innings in Game 2 of the first round against Toledo. For the Braves, Boyer worked five plus innings, surrendering the Bulls first three runs on five hits and two walks.

The Bulls and Braves will meet again for Game 3 of the Governors’ Cup finals on Wednesday night at 7 PM at The Diamond in Richmond with coverage on 620-AM The Bull.

Thanks to DBBC’s Matt DeMargel for this capcom story & photo.