Two-Hit Shutout a Winner for Tides
June 18, 2016 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Three Norfolk hurlers combined on a two-hit shutout and Dariel Alvarez plated a run with a clutch hit in the eighth inning as the Tides blanked the Durham Bulls 1-0 Saturday night at Harbor Park.
Tides starter Ariel Miranda was tremendous, as he limited the Bulls to one hit and one walk over seven outstanding innings of work. He matched a Norfolk season-high with nine strikeouts, the second time in three outings in which he's registered nine punchouts against Durham. The only hit he allowed was a two-out single to Luke Maile in the third inning, as Miranda faced just two batters over the minimum while throwing 57 of his 92 pitches for strikes.
The game was scoreless entering the eighth frame, as Miranda and Durham starter Austin Pruitt matched zeros while yielding just five base hits between them. Norfolk finally broke through in the eighth inning against Ryan Webb (0-1), who was making a Major League rehab appearance down from Tampa Bay. Corban Joseph ignited the game-winning rally with a one-out double, and he moved to third on a groundout by Ozzie Martinez. After a walk to L.J. Hoes, Alvarez lined a run-scoring double into the left field corner, giving the Tides the only run of the contest.
Norfolk closer Oliver Drake made the lead stand up, as he worked a scoreless ninth for his 10th save of the season. It was the 14th consecutive scoreless appearance for Drake, who has held opponents to a .143 average (7-49) with 25 strikeouts and three walks over that 14.0-inning span.
Zach Phillips (5-2) earned his team-leading fifth victory of the season by working a scoreless eighth inning in relief.
With the victory, Norfolk has now won four of its last five games. Over that span, Tides pitchers have posted a 1.02 ERA (5 ER, 44.0 IP) with 48 strikeouts, 15 walks and a .183 average against (28-153).
The Tides go for a three-game sweep of the Bulls Sunday afternoon at Harbor Park, with first pitch slated for 1:05. Joe Gunkel (3-4, 3.44) gets the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by left-hander Adam Wilk (2-6, 2.97).
As part of a Father's Day celebration Sunday, the first 2,000 men ages 18 and over will receive a Tides barbeque apron courtesy of the Virginia Putative Father Registry. After the game, fans can play a game of catch on the field.
Notes: The attendance of 10,066 was the second-largest Harbor Park crowd this season...Prior to Saturday's game, RHP Yovani Gallardo was activated by Baltimore, ending his MLB Rehab Assignment with the Tides...In other transactions before Saturday's game, catcher Zach Booker was placed on the disabled list with a left thumb injury and LHP Andy Oliver was added to the roster after signing a Norfolk contract...L.J. Hoes doubled, singled and walked in the contest...Norfolk is now 7-5 against Durham this season.
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