Birkins lead Tides past Red Wings, 2-0
Published on May 22, 2007 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
May 22, 2007 - Kurt Birkins turned in his second straight scoreless start, pitching the Tides past Matt Garza and the Rochester Red Wings 2-0 Tuesday afternoon.
Birkins (2-1) allowed just three hits and struck out three in the contest, working around five walks in six innings to pick up the win. The 26-year-old southpaw also combined on a 2-0 shutout in his previous outing, which came on Thursday afternoon vs. Scranton/Wilkes-Barre.
Garza (2-4) was the hard-luck loser in the contest, allowing two unearned runs in seven innings of work. He allowed just three hits, two of which came in a first inning in which the Tides scored both of their runs as a result of a bizarre play on the basepaths.
Tike Redman led off Norfolk's first inning with a walk, and one out later advanced to second on a single by J.R. House. Mike Cervenak then bounced a ground ball to second baseman Alex Casilla, who fielded the chopper and tried to tag out House advancing to second. House retreated towards first on the play, but when Casilla threw to first to retire Cervenak, House and Casilla made contact, and House was awarded second base on fielder interference. Redman scored on the play, and Terry Tiffee followed with a double to center field that scored House and gave the Tides a 2-0 lead.
The two runs were enough for Birkins and the Norfolk bullpen, as the Tides' defense set a season-high with four double plays turned on the afternoon. Steve Green pitched two shutout innings in relief, and Cory Doyne pitched the 9th inning for his 12th save of the season.
The Tides are off on Wednesday and return to action on Thursday night at Richmond. Right-hander Tim Kester (3-3, 5.40) is slated to take the mound for the Tides, with first pitch scheduled for 7:00 p.m.
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