The Bulls started with a bang - a three-run home run by Justin Ruggiano in the first - but two insurance runs in the seventh were needed to seal the 5-3 victory over the Mud Hens Tuesday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park.

The Bulls struck for three runs in their first turn at bat before Toledo starter Jeremy Johnson (4-1, 4.46) could retire a batter. The score remained 3-0 until the seventh when Durham manufactured two vital insurance runs. Toledo came back with three in the eighth off Kurt Birkins, making his Durham debut after spending the first part of the season with Tampa Bay. But Charlie Montoyo summoned closer Grant Balfour, who notched his sixth save in a two-inning appearance.

Jeremy Cummings (1-0, 0.00) had a quality start in his first start since signing with the Rays out of the Chinese Professional Baseball League, going six innings with two hits, four walks and four strikeouts to earn the victory.

The Bulls take on the Mud Hens for the second of four Wednesday at the Durham Bulls Athletic Park at 1:05 p.m. Jeff Niemann (1-1, 2.57) will take the mound for Durham and fellow right-hander Chris Lambert (5-1, 2.21) will go for Toledo.