DURHAM. N.C. -- The Gwinnett Braves fell 4-1 to the Durham Bulls and Justin Ruggiano's walk-off home run on Monday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park, in Durham, N.C.
With the score tied 1-1, Braves reliever Anthony Varvaro (0-2) came into the contest in the bottom of the 11th and gave up a game-ending three run homer. Ruggiano had earlier given Durham its only run of the day with a solo homer.
The Gwinnett Braves (6-5) are now tied for second place with Charlotte who plays later today and are 1.5 games behind first place Durham (8-4), in the International League South division.
Starting pitcher Mike Minor went 6.0 strong innings for the Braves, yielding one run, one earned, allowing four hits, a walk and striking out five. He was then relieved by Yohan Flande who pitched 1.0 IP, with a walk and a strikeout and RHP Stephen Marek who threw 1.0 IP allowing two hits and striking out one. RHP Cory Gearrin, who earned the win yesterday, came in to the game in the bottom of the ninth and pitched two innings, allowing 2 hits and striking out one. Varvaro would earn his second loss of the season, pitching 0.2 IP, allowing a hit, 2 BB and a 3-run HR.
Gwinnett third baseman Shawn Bowman broke up the perfect game in the sixth inning, with a double off of Dirk Hayhurst to centerfield. Overall on the day, Bowman went 1-for-4, with a 2B, and an RBI.
Gwinnett heads up north to Norfolk to take on the Tides in a four game series. The Braves will send out RHP Rodrigo Lopez (2-0, 1.32 ERA) vs. RHP Ryan Drese (0-1, 8.18 ERA) for the Tides on Tuesday night. Game time is slated for 7:15 p.m. and can be heard on WDUN 550 AM and 102.9 FM.
Wednesday
July 16th, 2025
2:26AM
