Tides Stifle Durham 8-7
July 29, 2012 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Norfolk jumped out to an early 6-1 lead, then held off a late Durham rally to knock off the Bulls 8-7 Sunday night at Harbor Park.
One night after being held to four hits in an 8-0 shutout loss, the Tides plated six runs on four hits, three walks and a hit batter in the first frame. Norfolk sent 11 men to the plate in the first as Durham starter Alex Torres (3-6) could not complete the inning after throwing 48 pitches - 24 for strikes.
Brandon Waring had a bases-clearing double in the decisive first frame, while Steve Tolleson and Robert Andino added run-scoring singles. Joe Mahoney also belted an RBI double in the inning - one of three hits on the night for Mahoney.
Making his team-leading 20th start, Jason Berken was the beneficiary of the offensive outburst as he improved to 3-4 with the win. Berken yielded six runs on nine hits in 5.1 innings as he walked one and struck out two.
Oscar Villarreal followed Berken with 1.2 innings of relief before giving way to Pat Neshek, who worked the final two innings for his 11th save of the season. Neshek surrendered a run on three hits in the ninth inning to allow Durham to pull within a run, but he struck out Jesus Feliciano with runners on first and third to end the contest and help Norfolk snap a three-game losing streak.
Ronny Paulino lined a solo homer in the contest, extending his hitting streak to 14 games. Paulino hit safely in eight straight games for Norfolk in May before being promoted to Baltimore, and he's now hit safely in six straight since rejoining the Tides on July 17. Over that 14-game stretch, Paulino has batted .333 (18-for-54) with a home run and eight RBI.
Andino, rehabbing a strained left shoulder, went 1-for-5 with an RBI in his first rehab appearance with the Tides. He also played all nine innings in the field, handling both of his ground balls at second base cleanly.
Evan Longoria, rehabbing a torn left hamstring, went 1-for-3 with a sac fly and a walk for the Bulls.
The two clubs will continue their four-game series on Monday night, with first pitch from Harbor Park scheduled for 7:15. Brian Matusz (2-1, 3.00) will take the hill for Norfolk against right-hander Lance Pendleton (6-4, 4.63).
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