Error Helps Tides Finish Comeback
July 15, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Norfolk scored an error on a dropped throw at first base in the bottom of the ninth to cap off a 6-5 comeback win over the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Sunday night at Harbor Park.
With the score tied 5-5 in the ninth, Xavier Avery ignited the winning rally with a leadoff bunt single off of Justin Friend (1-1). After a strikeout and a groundout put Avery on second with two outs, Friend intentionally walked Joe Mahoney to bring up L.J. Hoes. Hoes hit a slow ground ball to second baseman Kevin Frandsen, but his throw to Friend covering first was dropped, allowing Avery to score from second and give the Tides the walk-off win.
With the win, Norfolk (50-46) improved to a season-high four games over .500 while picking up its 50th win of the season. The Tides did not earn their 50th win a year ago until August 23, when the Tides improved to 50-80 in the 130th game of the season.
A night after falling behind 3-0 before eventually winning 8-3, Norfolk fell behind 4-0 just five batters into the game before rallying to win Sunday night's contest. Mahoney had three hits in the win, with the big blow a two-run, two-out, go-ahead double in the seventh inning that gave the Tides a 5-4 lead.
Nate McLouth homered in the contest, giving him six homers and 16 RBI over his last 12 games. McLouth's six home runs are the most in the International League during July.
The IronPigs jumped out to a quick start off of Brian Matusz, as Kyle Hudson opened the first inning by reaching on an error before Andres Blanco and Hector Luna drew four-pitch walks to load the bases with one out. Cody Overbeck then belted the first pitch he saw deep over the left field wall for a grand slam, giving Lehigh Valley a 4-0 lead.
Matusz settled down after the rocky first to hold the IronPigs scoreless over the next six frames. He yielded five hits and four walks in the contest, striking out two while throwing 72 of his 110 pitches for strikes.
Pat Neshek (3-2) earned the win by recording the final two outs of the ninth inning.
The Tides will welcome the Rochester Red Wings to Harbor Park Monday night for the start of a four-game series. Jake Arrieta will make his 2012 Tides' debut against southpaw Luke French (1-4, 5.98), with first pitch slated for 7:15.
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International League Stories from July 15, 2012
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- Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - Sunday, July 15 vs. Toledo (Tigers) - Rochester Red Wings
- Orioles Place RHP Jason Hammel on 15-Day Disabled List - Norfolk Tides
- IronPigs Game Notes - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Bisons Notes - Buffalo at Pawtucket (1:05 P.M.) - Buffalo Bisons
- Dioner Navarro's Walk-off Grand Slam Clips G-Braves - Gwinnett Stripers
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