Alvarez's Bomb Backs up Jones' Strong Effort
Published on August 10, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Dariel Alvarez hit a three-run homer and Chris Jones turned in seven strong innings as Norfolk topped the Durham Bulls 6-3 Monday night at Harbor Park.
The Tides wasted little time jumping on Bulls starter Bradin Hagens (1-4), as Alvarez belted a three-run shot in the first frame to give Norfolk a 3-0 lead. It was the team-leading 15th home run for Alvarez, who is now tied for fourth in the International League with 67 runs batted in this season.
The early offense was enough for Jones (7-6), who turned in his team-leading 10th Quality Start to help the Tides snap a three-game losing skid. Jones allowed two runs on eight hits without walking a batter, striking out three and throwing 74 of his 100 pitches for strikes as he lowered his ERA to 3.05. Dating back to 2014, the 26-year-old southpaw has now allowed three earned runs or less in 22 of his last 23 starts with the Tides.
Steve Clevenger hit a solo homer for Norfolk, which saw each of its nine batters collect a hit in the contest. Michael Almanzar added an RBI double, while Julio Borbon singled home a run in the sixth frame to extend his hitting streak to eight games.
Oliver Drake worked a scoreless ninth inning, striking out two to earn his 19th save of the season. Drake now owns a 0.75 ERA (3 ER, 36.0 IP) with a .152 opponents average through 34 relief outings with Norfolk.
With the win, Norfolk improved to 10-4 against Durham this season and maintained a 4.0-game lead on the Gwinnett Braves for first place in the IL South Division.
The Tides wrap up their homestand Tuesday night, with first pitch from Harbor Park slated for 7:05. Elih Villanueva (2-1, 5.40) gets the start for the Tides while the Bulls will counter with rehabbing left-hander Drew Smyly (0-1, 10.80).
Notes: Prior to Monday's game, Chris Parmelee was added to Norfolk's roster after being outrighted from Baltimore and infielder Derrik Gibson was transferred to Double-A Bowie...On UVA Night, former Wahoo and current Cleveland Cavalier Joe Harris threw out a ceremonial first pitch, as did current UVA pitcher and Chesapeake native Connor Jones...Pedro Beato earned a hold as appeared in his league-leading 48th game...With the win, Ron Johnson tied Frank Verdi for the 2nd-most managerial wins (282) in Tides franchise history. Johnson is just two shy of Gary Allenson's franchise record of 284 victories.
International League Stories from August 10, 2015
- G-Braves Crush Knights, 12-3 - Gwinnett Stripers
- Alvarez's Bomb Backs up Jones' Strong Effort - Norfolk Tides
- Gamel's Heroics Plate a Victory for RailRiders - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Gamel's Inside-The-Parker Gives 'Riders Walkoff Win - Pawtucket Red Sox
- Pair of Five-Run Frames Help Braves Beat Knights - Charlotte Knights
- Tonight's Bisons/Red Wings Game Postponed Due to Rain - Buffalo Bisons
- Bats Host Card Set Giveaway, Frazier Bobblehead Night, Autograph Day - Louisville Bats
- Minor League Baseball Announces July Player of the Month Award Winners - Buffalo Bisons
- MiLB "Home Run King" Mike Hessman Returns to Victory Field - Indianapolis Indians
- Durham Bulls Game Notes - Durham Bulls
- Catch Summer While It Lasts - Toledo Mud Hens
- SWB Game Notes - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Bisons Notes - Rochester at Buffalo (7:05 p.m.) - Buffalo Bisons
- Twins Reinstate Buxton, Option to Triple-A - Rochester Red Wings
- Meet the Brewers Tonight at Bisons Game - Buffalo Bisons
- Bird Named Batter of the Week - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Greg Bird & Jerad Eickhoff Named International League Players Of The Week - IL1
- Bark in the Park, Merge Records Night Highlight Two-Game Set - Durham Bulls
- Berrios Named Batavia Downs Player of the Week - Rochester Red Wings
- Bag up Hunger on Kroger Food Drive Friday, August 14 - Toledo Mud Hens
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
