Columbus gets past Norfolk
Published on August 21, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Norfolk plated three runs in the ninth inning, but their late rally fell just short in a 4-3 loss to the Columbus Clippers in front of 10,052 fans Friday night at Harbor Park.
The Tides had managed just four hits entering the final frame before igniting a late comeback bid against the Clippers' bullpen. Christian Walker started the inning with a one-out walk before moving to second on a single by Dariel Alvarez. Rossmel Perez followed with a single to right field that Tyler Holt misplayed for an error, allowing Walker to score and bring the Tides within 4-1. After a flyout, Columbus brought in closer Shawn Armstrong to face Audry Perez, but Perez lined a two-out, two-run double into left-center field to bring the Tides within a run. Armstrong quelled the threat, however, striking out Sharlon Schoop to end the game and register his 15th save of the season.
With the loss, Norfolk dropped all three games of the series to Columbus and saw their lead in the IL South division reduced to 4.0 games over the Gwinnett Braves.
Norfolk starter Elih Villanueva (3-3) took the loss after allowing three runs (two earned) on five hits over 2.2 innings of work. Villanueva, who had walked just one batter his three previous starts with the Tides, struggled with his control Friday as he issued four walks and needed 77 pitches to navigate his outing. The Clippers chased the 29-year-old right-hander with three runs in the third inning - two of which came on a two-out double by Adam Moore.
Norfolk's bullpen of Steve Johnson, Jorge Rondon and Oliver Drake combined to allow one run on two hits while striking out five over 6.1 innings of relief.
The Tides open up a two-day, three-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens Saturday night at Harbor Park, with a doubleheader scheduled for 5:05 pm. In the first of two seven-inning contests, newcomer Mike Belfiore gets the start for Norfolk while the Hens are scheduled to counter with right-hander Tim Melville (3-3, 4.06).
Saturday night is Star Wars Night at Harbor Park, with several costumed characters from throughout the Star Wars galaxy scheduled to entertain throughout the evening. There will also be a postgame fireworks extravaganza courtesy of your local Ford dealers.
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