IL1 Norfolk Tides

Bowden's Rough Start too Much for Tides to Overcome

Published on June 17, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release


Dariel Alvarez hit a two-run homer, but the Columbus Clippers used a big first inning before holding off a late Tides rally in a 6-3 win over Norfolk Wednesday afternoon at Harbor Park.

Norfolk starter Michael Bowden (4-2) entered the contest riding a 28.0-inning streak without allowing an earned run, but Columbus batted around against him in the first frame and scored four runs to take the early lead. The Clippers added another run off Bowden in the second inning, chasing the right-hander from the contest after he allowed five runs on six hits in 1.2 innings of work.

Despite the rough outing, Bowden still owns a 2.01 ERA through 19 games (five starts) this season. He's just four innings shy of qualifying among the International League leaders, where his 2.01 ERA would lead the circuit.

Toru Murata (5-2) was the beneficiary of the offensive output, although he didn't need much help as he took a shutout into the ninth inning before surrendering Alvarez' two-out blast. Murata struck out six without walking a batter as he helped the Clippers salvage the finale of the three-game set.

Alvarez' homer was his team-leading ninth of the season, with eight of those coming at Harbor Park. The 26-year-old outfielder picked up his seventh multi-hit game over his last nine contests to up his average to .379 (22-58) in June.

After Alvarez' blast in the ninth the Tides continued to rally, loading the bases with two outs for Henry Urrutia, who plated Christian Walker with an infield single to pull Norfolk within 6-3. Clippers hurler Austin Adams then got Rey Navarro to line out to shortstop, ending the contest and giving Adams his fourth save of the season.

Despite the setback, Norfolk took two of three games in the series - the seventh straight series at Harbor Park in which the Tides have won or split. Norfolk is 16-7 at home over that 23-game span.

The Tides open up a seven-game, two-city road trip Thursday night with the first of four games in Toledo. Zach Davies (3-4, 3.13) gets the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by right-hander Thad Weber (4-3, 3.62), with first pitch slated for 7:00 pm.

Notes: Ben Rowen, Patrick McCoy and Dane De La Rosa combined to allow one run over 7.1 innings of relief...Henry Urrutia went 2-for-5 with an RBI and has now hit safely in eight of his last nine games, 15 of his last 17 and 18 of his last 21...Dane De La Rosa walked two over two hitless innings of relief, as IL batters have now batted .040 (1-25) against him since he joined Norfolk on June 5...Norfolk turned two double plays but hit into three twin killings...The Tides finished the homestand with a 4-3 record.

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International League Stories from June 17, 2015


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