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IL1 Norfolk Tides

Villanueva Makes Most of First AAA Start after Promotion

August 6, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release


Norfolk got a strong start from Elih Villanueva and clutch hits from Christian Walker and Audry Perez in 2-1 win over the Louisville Bats Thursday afternoon at Harbor Park.

Villanueva (2-1) was spectacular in his first start with Norfolk after being promoted from Double-A Bowie earlier Thursday. The 29-year-old right-hander yielded just one hit in the contest - a solo homer to Ryan LaMarre leading off the second frame - as he helped Norfolk salvage a split of the four-game series. He struck out two without walking a batter over his six innings of work and retired each of the final 15 batters he faced. Villanueva induced 12 ground ball outs in the effort as he faced just two batters over the minimum.

Due to recent roster moves and injuries, Villanueva was the ninth different starting pitcher the Tides have used over their last 11 games. Joining Villanueva over that stretch were Mike Wright, Eddie Gamboa (2x), Tyler Wilson, Zach Davies, Chris Jones (2x), Steve Johnson, Terry Doyle and Kenn Kasparek.

Jorge Rondon and Cesar Cabral followed Villanueva before giving way to OIiver Drake, who allowed one hit in a scoreless ninth inning to earn his 18th save of the year. Drake has now turned in 26 consecutive scoreless outings with Norfolk, as he's not allowed a run with since April 26.

The Tides got all the offense they would need off of Bats starter Matt Buschmann (9-9), as Walker drove home Henry Urrutia with a single in the first inning before Perez doubled home Dariel Alvarez to give the Tides a 2-1 advantage in the fourth. Walker's RBI was his 20th since the Triple-A All-Star break, second-most in the International League.

Norfolk's split of the four-game series continue an impressive series run for the Tides, as they've dropped just one series since June 22. Over that span, Norfolk has won nine series, lost one and split three.

The Tides welcome the Indianapolis Indians to Harbor Park on Friday night in the opener of a three-game set. In a battle of the International League's top two teams, Norfolk will start knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa (8-8, 4.04) while the Indians will counter with right-hander Angel Sanchez (5-1, 2.54).

On Friday, Norfolk will wear special SpongeBob SquarePants jerseys, which will be auctioned off during the game with all proceeds benefiting the United Way of South Hampton Roads. Winners of the jersey auction will receive the jerseys right off the players' backs after the game, and costumed characters (SpongeBob SquarePants and Patrick) will interact with fans on the concourse throughout the night. There will also be a postgame fireworks extravaganza set to SpongeBob-themed music.

Notes: Junior Lake singled, walked and stole a base and has now hit .333 (4-12) with a .500 OBP over his first four games with Norfolk...Jorge Rondon's scoreless relief outing was his ninth consecutive with the Tides...The one-run win was Norfolk's 47th one-run game this season, most in Minor League Baseball...After going 1-for-3 with a double and a walk Thursday, Audry Perez has now hit safely in 11 of his last 14 games...With the win, Ron Johnson is now three wins shy of matching Gary Allenson for the most managerial wins in Tides franchise history.

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