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Richmond Braves Win Governors’ Cup
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Doug Clark and Carlos Mendez blasted back-to-back home runs in the bottom of the first inning and Richmond never looked back as the Braves defeated Durham, 7-2 on Saturday night in Richmond to win their first Governors’ Cup Championship since 1994.
Justin Ruggiano’s solo home run in the third inning cut the deficit to 4-1, but the Braves answered back with Mendez’s RBI-single scoring Brandon Jones and chasing Bulls starter Mitch Talbot from the game. LHP J.P. Howell, pitching on three days rest, got the Bulls out of the inning without further damage, but he gave up a pair of runs in the fourth inning to give the Braves a 7-1 lead. Durham tacked on the final run in the ninth on a Jeremy Owens single.
RHP Kevin Barry (1-0) picked up the win pitching five innings allowing one run on three hits and three walks while striking out eight. RHP Mitch Talbot took the loss, allowing five runs on eight hits, two walks and four strikeouts.
Prior to Game Five, Bulls Manager Charlie Montoyo informed the media that closer Shawn Camp had left the team to join his family in grieving for the sudden death of his mother last night. Camp had finished all five of the Bulls post-season victories.
The Bulls open up the 2008 season on the road on Thursday, April 3rd against the Toledo Mud Hens, then celebrate the home opener a week later on Friday April 11th as they take on the Scranton Wilkes-Barre Yankees. For information on season ticket packages, contact the Durham Bulls ticket department at (919) 687-6500.
Thanks to DBBC’s Matt DeMargel for this capcom story & photo.