IL1 Norfolk Tides

Durham Arms Too Much for Tides in Opener

Published on April 8, 2010 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release


Four Durham pitchers combined to strike out 14 in a 5-3 win over Norfolk in front of 10,056 fans Thursday night at Harbor Park.

Bulls starter Jeremy Hellickson (1-0) earned the victory after striking out six and allowing one earned run in five solid innings. He was backed by Joaquin Benoit, who allowed a single and a walk but registered six strikeouts in two innings of work. After Winston Abreu worked a scoreless eighth, the Tides loaded the bases with no outs against Dale Thayer in the 9th, but the Bulls closer struck out two to end the threat and give the Bulls the win in the season opener.

Tides starter Chris Tillman (0-1) surrendered two runs on five hits in four innings of work, striking out five while walking one. The 21-year-old threw 57 of his 81 pitches for strikes before being lifted for Ross Wolf prior to the fifth inning.

Rhyne Hughes reached base three times and scored two runs to lead the Tides offense, while Joey Gathright drove home two and swiped a base. Josh Bell added a ninth inning single for his first Triple-A base hit.

Lou Montanez went 0-for-4 in the contest, ending his minor league hit streak at 35 games.

The announced crowd of 10,056 was the largest home opening crowd for the Tides since 1995, when 10,069 fans saw Norfolk defeat Rochester, 3-0.

Norfolk and Durham will square off again Friday night from Harbor Park, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15. Jake Arrieta will take the hill for Norfolk against Bulls left-hander Heath Phillips.

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International League Stories from April 8, 2010


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