FORT MILL, S.C. — Dan Johnson’s fourth inning home run was one of few bright spots for the Bulls on Wednesday, as Durham fell 10-2 at Charlotte.

Johnson walked twice, doubled, homered and scored both runs for the Bulls (78-59). His 11th homer to center off Deunte Heath (4-7) was the only earned run allowed in 5.2 innings bythe righty, who won his second straight start against the Bulls.

The Knights (67-72) got all the offense they would need in a five-run first against Andy Sonnanstine (3-6).

Durham, which had committed no more than one error in any of the previous 20 games, committed miscues against the first two hitters. Sonnanstine then allowed hits to four of the next five batters, leading to the five runs.

Sonnanstine was knocked out after three innings, allowing seven runs. Brian Baker, just activated before the game, pitched the final five innings, giving the rest of the bullpen a break.

Durham entered the day with a magic number of three over Gwinnett to clinch the South Division and a magic number of two over Lehigh Valley to clinch a playoff berth. Lehigh Valley lost 6-2 to Scranton, meaning the Bulls can still clinch a playoff berth (but not the division) with a win over Charlotte tonight.

Gwinnett on Wednesday won the completion of a suspended game 11-2 over Norfolk, but had not completed its regularly scheduled game against the Tides by late Wednesday.

Article source: HeraldSun - Durham Bulls