Ryan Howard hits a home run for the Gwinnett Braves

Veteran Ryan Howard hit a two-run homer but the Gwinnett Braves lost to the Durham Bulls 5-4 Wednesday night in Lawrenceville.

Gwinnett starter Lucas Sims went five innings, allowing two runs and seven hits, with no walks and seven strikeouts. He threw 96 pitches, 64 for strikes. Sims has a 2.83 ERA this season.

JEFF SCHULTZ: Ryan Howard not ready to retire.

The left-handed hitting Howard's 388-foot blast was to the opposite field in left-center. It was his first home run for Gwinnett and his first in the minors since July 3, 2012 with Triple-A Lehigh Valley. Howard is hitting .188 as he tries to impress the big-league Braves and earn a call-up.

The G-Braves are 14-11.

Former Braves outfielder Mallex Smith went 1-for-5 for Durham.

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