Herald-Sun Correspontant
DURHAM — The visiting Gwinnett Braves put runs on the board in four of the first five innings at Durham Bulls Athletic Park on Monday night, chipping away at two-run lead the Bulls had held since the first inning and eventually taking a 6-5 lead after five.
The Bulls answered back and tied the game in the sixth but couldn’t cool Gwinnett’s bats, and the Braves eventually took an 8-6 win.
Representing the tying run in the ninth, Bulls designated hitter Jon Weber grounded out to pitcher Manny Acosta in his last Bulls at-bat of 2009 to end the game. Weber finished the game hitless with two strikeouts.
Along with Weber, reliever Jason Childers saw his last action at the DBAP this season. Both head to Cary today to start training with Team USA for the World Cup of Baseball.
“I gave it a good run. I’m honored to be doing what I’m doing,” Weber said. “I wish it was the big leagues. But that’s not my call. I can’t control that. All I can do is control what I do. I thought I did a pretty good job.
“If [professional ball in Japan] doesn’t work out … I know where home is. I’ll be right back here.”
Childers also struggled in his 2009 Bulls finale, taking the loss after pitching 11⁄3 innings and surrendering one run on four hits.
It looked for a while like Childers would have an even rougher outing. After the Braves picked up three straight hits — including two bunts — to eighth inning, Childers was able to escape the frame surrendering just one run.
“I was hoping [Braves first baseman] Brooks Conrad would roll over my changeup, but he didn’t roll over it, he hit it in the hole,” Childers said. “I was happy to get out of there with one run.
“It’s bittersweet, leaving. I definitely would love to stay here and make the playoff push and go into the playoffs with all these guys. But like I said before, I think it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for someone like me to get this chance to play for your country. So I’m really excited about that.”
With today being call-up day in the majors, five more Bulls will be leaving Durham — outfielder Fernando Perez; pitchers Andy Sonnanstine and Jeff Bennett; catcher Shawn Riggans; and a mystery Bull. After hearing the list he gave of six missing roster members, Montoyo chirped back quickly.
“That’s six? Plus one more,” he said. “I’m not telling you yet. At least you got the heads up.”
But even with the Rays calling, Montoyo said losing now-Team USA members Weber and Childers will hurt the most.
“Those two are the biggest losses,” he said. “Weber’s our best hitter and the heart of the team … and Childers, he can do everything.”
Starting Bulls pitcher Bennett came out after two innings, having been called up by the Rays, and newcomer Rayner Oliveros pitched the next 42⁄3 innings.
“That’s the order I got,” Montoyo said, referencing the short start for Bennett. “Two innings and get him out.”
While Oliveros allowed runs in the first four frames he pitched, a sixth-inning Elliot Johnson run scored on a Diory Hernandez error took the decision out of his hands.
Bulls outfielder Desmond Jennings was named Southern League (Double-A) MVP for his .316, 37-steal performance for the Montgomery Biscuits.
The Bulls and Braves square off for the last time this season tonight at 7:05 p.m. with Gwinnett getting a chance to earn back a shared spot atop the IL South standings.
