G-Braves edge Durham, 8-6

DURHAM, N.C. -- The Gwinnett Braves defeated the Durham Bulls 8-6 Monday at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The Braves improved their record to 77-60, while the Bulls fell to 78-59. With the win, Gwinnett pulled within one game of the Bulls, who lead the South Division and now lead the International League Wild Card race over Syracuse by 3.5 games. Syracuse lost 6-4 at home against the Scranton/WB Yankees.

In sharp contrast to Sunday’s two-hit affair, the G-Braves tallied 18 hits on the night. Seven different Gwinnett players added to the hit total with center fielder Gregor Blanco leading the team with five hits. Blanco was 5-for-6 with two runs scored. Wes Timmons and Brian Barton both went 3-for-5 on the night and Brandon Jones and Barbaro Canizares each drove in two runs to top the RBI column for Gwinnett.

Right fielder Matt Joyce was 2-for-4 with two RBI to lead the Bulls. Joyce hit his 16th home run of the year off Todd Redmond in the first inning.

For Gwinnett, RHP Vladimir Nunez earned the win pitching 2.0 innings out of the bullpen. He struck out two and gave up four hits while improving his record to 3-2. RHP Todd Redmond started the game, allowed five earned runs and struck out six in 5.0 innings but did not factor into the decision.

RHP Jason Childers was credited with the loss after allowing four hits and one earned run in 2.1 innings.

Gwinnett plays its final regular season game in Durham tomorrow at 7:05 p.m. Braves LHP Jo-Jo Reyes (3-2, 3.16 ERA) is scheduled to face LHP Jason Cromer (6-3, 2.47 ERA) of the Bulls.