Hellickson, don't hurt 'em

Yes, it's a rare in-game post ... on a game not involving the Biscuits.

Mr. Jeremy Hellickson has a one-hit shutout as they stretch at Durham Bulls Athletic Park. He currently has 10 strikeouts, marking his third straight start with double-digit whiffs. The Bulls lead the Gwinnett Braves 4-nil. Brian Barton's sixth-inning single and a walk are Gwinnett's only offense.

Durham needed a good start after Saturday's five-hour, 14-inning affair. I'd say this just might qualify.

UPDATE: And just as I post that, the e-mail about the Hot Rods pops in. Bowling Green settled in for a 16-inning jaunt today, losing 3-2 to Asheville. Knuckleballer Diego Echevarria does yeoman-like work with six innings of one-run relief, though he took the loss. Time of game: 4 hours, 33 minutes.

2nd UPDATE: Hellickson is through eight, having allowed one hit and striking out 12. He's one K shy of his career high, set in seven shutout innings April 15, 2008 for high-Class A Vero Beach. Hellickson has thrown 107 pitches, so he's unlikely to return for the ninth.

3rd UPDATE: Yep, Dale Thayer in for the ninth.

Final: Durham wins 4-nil.