IL Norfolk Tides

Wells Superb over Six Frames, But Tides Drop 1-0 Pitchers' Duel Sunday

Published on July 11, 2021 under International League (IL)
Norfolk Tides News Release


Tides starter Alex Wells tossed six shutout innings, allowing just two hits, but the Norfolk offense was unable to scratch a run across, falling 1-0 in a pitcher's duel on Sunday afternoon at Harbor Park.

Wells (6.0IP, 2H, 0R, 0BB, 6K) had the Bulls hitters guessing all afternoon, finishing with six strikeouts and no walks. Though Wells allowed a double to Durham's Dalton Kelly to lead off the game, he retired the next 16 hitters in a row. He ended his outing having thrown 51 of his 68 pitches for strikes, taking a no-decision despite not allowing a run.

Nonetheless, Durham starter Joe Ryan (7.0IP, 1H, 0R, 1BB, 9K) held the Tides in check throughout his start, keeping the game scoreless through the entirety of Wells' six innings. Ryan, the Triple-A East leader in opponent batting average and WHIP, yielded just two baserunners: a second-inning walk to designated hitter Tyler Nevin and a third-inning single to first baseman J.C. Escarra.

Norfolk reliever Shawn Armstrong entered the game in relief of Wells to begin the seventh inning and was greeted by a first-pitch homer from Bulls second baseman Kevin Padlo, putting the Tides in a 1-0 hole. Though Armstrong was able to get through the seventh without further damage, the one run was all the Durham pitching staff needed.

The Tides mounted a brief rally in the eighth against Durham's Phoenix Sanders. Third baseman Rylan Bannon doubled to lead off the inning and moved to third on a groundout from right fielder Yusniel Diaz. However, Bannon was thrown out at home plate attempting to score on another infield ground ball, dashing Norfolk's hopes of tying the score.

Bulls right-hander Louis Head finished off the Durham victory, throwing a scoreless ninth inning en route to picking up his third save of the year. Though Norfolk placed the first two hitters of the ninth aboard on a walk and single, second baseman Jahmai Jones grounded into a 5-4-3 double play to put a runner on third with two outs. The next hitter, Nevin, grounded out to shortstop to end the game.

Tides relievers Fernando Abad and Eric Hanhold each contributed a scoreless inning out of the bullpen, helping hold the Bulls to their lone run.

Norfolk (24-32) will begin a two-week road trip through Memphis and Gwinnett on Tuesday, with righty Dean Kremer scheduled to take the hill during the first game for the Tides. The team will return to Harbor Park on Tuesday, July 27 to begin another six-game set against Durham (40-18).

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