With a starting pitcher who began the year as a reliever in A+ ball taking the hill in a deciding game 5, Durham Bulls fans could not help but feel a little uneasy about their team's chances. However, "Precious" Paul Phillips would not be deterred as he continued his storybook season in the Rays farm system. The 25-year-old right hander went five strong innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits, while striking out 6 and walking 1. Phillips who led the post-Hellickson AA Montgomery Biscuits in swinging strike % generated 9 whiffs over 68 pitches for a healthy 13.2%. The Bulls emerged victorious over the Louisville Bats by a score of 5-3. Sean Rodriguez led the offense going 2-3 with a walk and a stolen base. Justin Ruggiano went 3-4 including a double. Matt Joyce also chipped in with 2 hits including a triple. This will be the Bulls third consecutive trip to the Governors' Cup Finals, which begins tomorrow night with Jeremy "Narwhal" Hellickson taking the hill versus the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. Who says the Rays-Yankees are not meeting in the post-season as both the A+ and AAA affiliates of each club are meeting in their respective finals. Be sure to bring your swinging strike counters for the Narwhal.
In other farm news, the Charlotte Stone Crabs emerged from the weekend knotted up at one-a-piece with the Tampa Yankees. This is not a bad place to be with Alex Cobb and David Newmann starts on the horizon and the series heading to Charlotte. Game three is tonight at 7:05.