Norfolk 2, Columbus 1
Published on July 26, 2016 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
After being no-hit over the first seven innings, Norfolk rallied with two runs on three hits in the eighth inning to edge the Columbus Clippers 2-1 Tuesday night at Harbor Park.
Columbus starter Adam Plutko (2-4) was tremendous, as he retired the first 22 batters he faced in taking a perfect game into the eighth inning. Plutko, the #14 prospect in the Indians system according to MLB.com, struck out seven without issuing a walk as he nearly registered the first nine-inning perfect game against Norfolk since the Tides joined the International League in 1969.
The Tides finally broke through against Plutko in the eighth, as Corban Joseph grounded a ball past a shift and into center field for Norfolk's first hit of the contest. Francisco Pena followed with an RBI double into left-center field, and Mike Yastrzemski then lined an RBI single into right field to score pinch-runner Xavier Avery and put the Tides on top, 2-1.
Jason Stoffel made the lead stand up, as he struck out two in a scoreless ninth to earn his sixth save of the season and give Norfolk a three-game winning streak.
Making his first start since July 6, Norfolk starter Andy Oliver allowed just two hits over 4.2 innings of work. He walked one and struck out five, with the only run against him coming on a solo home run by Jesus Aguilar leading off the second inning. It was the 20th home run of the season for Aguilar and was just the third long ball surrendered by Oliver in 62.0 innings this year.
Norfolk's bullpen turned in 4.1 innings of shutout relief, with Pedro Beato (4-4) earning the win after working a perfect eighth inning. Tides relievers are now 25-17 with 2.79 ERA this season.
The win was Norfolk's eighth this season when trailing after seven innings, the most by any team in the International League.
The two clubs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night at Harbor Park, with first pitch slated for 7:05. David Hale (1-5, 5.27) gets the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by left-hander Shawn Morimando (1-1, 3.93).
Notes: Earlier Tuesday, Norfolk catcher Audry Perez was placed on the disabled list (retro to July 23) with a right knee injury. Taking his place on the Tides roster was catcher Austin Wynns, who had hit .247 with 10 RBI in 21 games for Double-A Bowie...Christian Walker went 0-for-3, snapping his 14-game on-base streak...Francisco Pena has hit safely in seven of his last eight games, batting .407 (11-27) with a home run and six RBI over that span.
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