IL1 Norfolk Tides

Norfolk sweeps twinbill Monday

Published on May 18, 2009 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release


Norfolk swept a doubleheader from Louisville Monday night, winning by scores of 6-2 and 2-0.

In game one, Tides starter Chris Tillman settled down after a shaky first inning to help pitch Norfolk to a 6-2 victory.

Tillman (5-0) surrendered three hits in the first frame, including a two-run homer off the bat of Jonny Gomes that gave the Bats an early lead. The 21-year-old settled down after that as he yielded three hits over his final four innings to move into a tie for first in the International League with five victories.

Tillman walked one and struck out five, throwing 49 of his 88 pitches for strikes.

Norfolk's offense quickly rallied behind Tillman in the first frame, as Matt Wieters drove home two runs with a triple to center field off of Sam LeCure (2-3) to put the Tides on the board. Wieters then came into score on a groundout by Oscar Salazar that gave the Tides a 3-2 lead.

The Tides carried that lead into the 5th inning before Jeff Fiorentino launched a two-out, three-run home run over the right field picnic area to extend Norfolk's advantage to 6-2.

Norfolk is now 7-0 in Tillman's seven starts this season, and the Tides offense has plated 56 runs in those seven outings (8.0 runs a game).

In the nightcap, David Pauley and Jim Miller combined on a four-hit shutout as the Tides blanked the Bats 2-0.

Pauley (3-3) turned in his best outing in a Norfolk uniform, as he allowed just four hits and one walk while striking out seven. Pauley retired the side in order in four of his six innings of work as he lowered his ERA to 3.96 for the season.

Miller then followed Pauley and struck out the side in a scoreless seventh inning to register his league leading 10th save of the season. The save was Miller's 20th in his Norfolk career, moving him into a tie for 10th on the Tides franchise list.

The Tides took an early lead off of Bats starter Homer Bailey (3-5), as Joey Gathright led off the bottom of the first with a bunt single, stole second, then later scored on a groundout by Matt Wieters.

Norfolk padded its lead in the 5th inning as Melvin Dorta singled and came around to score on a bloop double by Justin Christian.

With the doubleheader sweep, the Tides won their seventh straight game and improved their home record to an IL-best 12-3.

Norfolk will look for the four-game sweep of the Bats on Tuesday afternoon, with southpaw Chris Waters (3-2, 5.02) slated to take the hill for the Tides against Bats right-hander Daryl Thompson (1-2, 7.40). First pitch is scheduled for 12:15.

Check out the Norfolk Tides Statistics

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International League Stories from May 18, 2009


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