Tag Archives: nolan Reimold

July 21, 2010 · 00:09

Aubrey Homers and Drives in 4 Runs but Tides Lose 8-5 to Chiefs

Michael Aubrey hit his 11th home run and drove in 4 in the losing effort

Norfolk Tides First Baseman Michael Aubrey is definitely back in fighting form after being injured early in the season and struggling to get his form back.  Aubrey has hit 5 home runs is the past 6 games and on Tuesday he turned Harbor Park into his park hitting his 11th home run of the campaign and driving in 4 runs in a losing cause.

Tim Bascom was roughed up again for 6 runs in 1.2 innings

The game began badly for the Tides as starter Tim Bascom was shelled in the 1st and 2nd inning giving up 6 runs on 5 hits, one of which was a 2 run home run to Leonard Davis and 4 walks in just 1.2 innings work.  Bascom (2-5 7.39 ERA) who is 0-3 in his last 4 starts giving up 19 runs on 23 hits with 9 walks and 4 home runs in 13.2 innings work with a 12.27 ERA took the loss.  His last win was on June 27th against Louisville where he pitched 6 innings giving up 2 runs but living dangerously giving up 11 hits. It is possible that he could be sent back to AA Bowie to get back his confidence and work on his mechanics and if I was in the Orioles management I would do exactly that.  With Chris Tillman being optioned back to Norfolk today following the beating that he received at the hands of the Rays on Monday the probability of this move has increased.

Tides relievers Mike Hinckley, Cla Meredith, Alberto Castillo and Denis Sarfate pitched the remaining 7.1 innings giving up 2 runs on 8 hits striking out 7 and walking none.

The Tides were held in check for the first 6 innings but in the 7th came alive.  Matt Angle singled to lead off the inning and scored on Robert Andino’s 23rd double of the season.  Nolan Reimold walked to bring up Michael Aubrey who has turned into a home run machine in the past week.  Aubrey belted the ball over the right field wall on a pitch by Chiefs starter Ron Villone who was pulled from the game after the hit.  The Tides threatened in the 9th inning when Jeff Salazar walked with one out and moved to third on a single by Nolan Reimold.  Michael Aubrey came to the plate and drove in Salazar with a sacrifice fly but Rhyne Hughes struck out to end the game.

The Chiefs had 8 runs on 12 hits with no errors leaving 10 on base.  The Tides had 5 runs on 5 hits with 1 error stranding 1 man on base in the losing effort.  Tim Bascom (2-5 7.39 ERA) took the loss and Erik Arnesen (3-5 4.35 ERA) was the winning pitcher.  The teams meet Wednesday with Troy Patton (6-9 4.91 ERA) on the hill for the Tides against the Chiefs Jason Jones (1-4 4.82 ERA).

Up in Baltimore the O’s came back in a see-saw game against the Rays. Down 8-4 in the bottom of the 7th the Orioles tied the game and scored the winning run when Julio Lugo hit a walk off single to score Cesar Izturis with 1 out in the bottom of the 13th inning.  Former Tides infielder Scott Moore tied the game in the bottom of the 12 after the Rays had taken a 10-9 lead.

Until next time,

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 20, 2010 · 22:21

Tides Win 4-0 over Chiefs: George Shines While Aubrey and Reimold go Yard

Chris George got his 5th win pitching 6 innings of shutout ball

It began with a rain delay and a pitching change but Tuesday the Norfolk Tides defeated one of the best teams in the International League in a convincing manner.  Orioles closer Mike Gonzalez began the game for the Tides to get an inning of rehab work in following the delay.  Gonzalez walked one batter who stole 2nd and 3rd base but retired the side striking out 2 batters and left the game in favor of scheduled starter Chris George.  George had an excellent outing shutting out the Chiefs for 6 innings allowing just 4 hits while giving up a walk and striking out 2 batters.   Relievers Jim Hoey and Pat Egan each pitched an inning of relief allowing a hit and 2 walks between them.  However it was Chris George (5-4 4.07 ERA) that was the show tonight showing again that he provides a stable though often unheralded role on the Tides staff.

Michael Aubrey hit his 10th home run and 4th in the last 5 days

Chiefs starting pitcher Jeff Mandel (4-5 4.80 ERA) pitched very well for 7 innings.  He allowed a run in the 3rd inning when he walked Matt Angel and then on an attempted pick off tossed the ball into foul territory in left field Angle took second and third base scoring the Tides first run on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino.

Matt Angle prepares to tag up to score on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino

The scored remained 1-0 in favor of the Tides until the bottom of the 6th inning when with 2 outs Michael Aubrey pounded a drive over the right field wall for his 10th home run of the season and 4th in the last 5 days to extend the lead to 2-0.  It appeared that the game was destined to go into the 9th inning tied as Mandel got Matt Angle to ground out to 2nd and Robert Andino to ground to 3rd base.  Mandel then walked Jeff Salazar to bring Nolan Reimold to the plate.  Reimold has not has a good year though he shows occasional signs that he might be breaking out of his slump.  Tonight was one of those nights. With two outs Reimold hammered a pitch to left field to score Salazar and give the Tides a 4 run lead.  Pat Egan entered to close out the game and walked Kevin Mench but Mench was eliminated when Leonard Davis lined into a double play at first and Pete Orr grounded out to end the game.

Mike Gonzalez made his second rehab appearance in a Tides uniform on Monday

The Chiefs hand no runs on 5 hits with 1 error and left 7 men on base while the Tides had 4 runs on 6 hits with no errors stranding 5.  Jeff Mandel took the loss for the Clippers while Chris George got his 5th win of the campaign.

Nolan Reimold added his 7th home run in the 8th inning to seal the deal

Tonight the Tides have Tim Bascom on the hill going up against Erik Arnesen.  In Birdland last night Chris Tillman pitching for the first time since his one hit shut out in Texas was blown out to the water by the Tampa Bay Rays who scored 8 runs on 7 hits and 4 walks against Tillman.  On  a poistive note on an otherwise dismal day for the Orioles thier relievers held the Rays giving up no more runs and only allowing 2 hits and 2 walks in 6.1 innings striking out 7 Rays.

I’m not there as I have the overnight at the hosptial, so far so good.

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 13, 2010 · 01:47

All Star Break Norfolk Tides Wrap Up

Armando Gabino has been an excellent spot starter and middle reliever for the Tides on Sunday he picked up his 5th win against the powerful Durham Bulls

The Norfolk Tides played the Durham Bulls much better in the friendly confines of Harbor Park than they did in Durham last week splitting a pair where they could easily have won both games.  On Saturday the Bulls and Tides played a very even game that had both teams with 12 hits the difference being a 3 run 5th inning where the Bulls had three consecutive singles to load the bases on Tides starter Chris George and despite a double play would manufacture 3 runs against George.  The Tides did not help their own causes despite the number of hits given up by Durham pitchers leaving the bases loaded in the 1st, 3rd and 5th innings.  In all the Tides would strand 14 runners, 9 in scoring position with two outs mostly because the bottom third of the batting order which had recently getting very clutch hits went 2 for 12 with two walks, both hits coming from the bat of Blake Davis.  In addition to Davis Matt Angle, Jeff Salazar and Nolan Reimold all had multiple hit games with Reimold connecting on his 6th home run, a solo shot in the 7th inning off of Bulls reliever Michael Eckstrom.

Andy Mitchell did an excellent job in middle relief in a losing effort Saturday night

A tide pitching with the exception of the 5th inning was very good and even in the 5th inning it was a successive collection of quirky hits that got Chris George in trouble.  George (4-4 4.36 ERA) got the loss going 4.2 innings giving up 4 runs on 8 hits walking 1 and striking out 4. Andy Mitchell gave up 1 run on 4 hits in 3.1 innings of work.  Mitchell needs to be given credit; he has come in on a number of occasions this year and pitched 3-5 innings of solid relief which has saved some of the other members of the bullpen from being used up after multiple games of relief.  Andy has made the transition from starting pitcher to reliever and continues to improve. He is not young anymore but in the right spots he has what it takes to be the man to stand in the gap so to speak to give his team mates in the bullpen badly needed rest.

Robert Andino singles in the 3rd inning on Sunday against Durham

The Bulls as I said had 12 hits with several players having multiple hit games. Among them was Angel Chavez who went 2-4 with 2 RBIs and Joe Dillon who also went 2-4 with two doubles, one each of George and Mitchell and 1 RBI.  Apart from Dillon the Tides pitchers allowed no other extra base hits to the very powerful Bulls offense.  Michael Eckstrom (4-1 2.61 ERA) got the win in relief for the Bulls and Winston Abreu got his 11th save of the campaign.  The Bulls had 5 runs on 12 hits and no errors leaving 9 men stranded.  The Tides had 3 runs on 12 hits with 1 error leaving 14 men on base.

Matt Angle scores a key run in the 7th inning

On Sunday Armando Gabino made a spot start for the Tides as Bobby Dickerson juggled his pitching staff with the departure of Chris Tillman to Baltimore and Chris George and Andy Mitchell both added back to the Tides roster.  Gabino has been very effective both as a middle reliever where he began the year as well as in spot starts and was so again going 6.1 innings giving up no runs and only 3 hits striking out 4 and walking none.  Alberto Castillo pitched an inning of scoreless relief but Pat Egan who game in with 1 out in the top of the 8th was crushed by a hit starved Durham lineup giving up 4 runs on 3 hits and a walk, one of the hits being a 3 run home run by Justin Ruggiano and a ground rule double to Dan Johnson with 1 out in the top of the 9th.  Denis Sarfate came in to get the last two outs, a double play to end the inning and the game.

Chris Tillman and Jake Arietta both won against the Rangers this weekend


Alfredo Simon went from Tides Starter to Orioles Closer

Tides hitters had 8 hits and a walk with the damage to Bulls pitching coming in the bottom of the 3rd inning and bottom of the 7th inning using small ball, a collection of 3 singles, a walk and a couple of fielder’s choice situations which netted the Tides runs.  In the bottom of the 7th it was a leadoff double by Blake Davis as well as singles by Matt Angle and Robert Andino to score two more runs without which Durham may have just won the game despite the pitching of Gabino.  Gabino held the Bulls down but once again the Bulls showed just how good that they are in the 9th inning rally that came close to stealing the game from the Tides.

Gabino got the win and Denis Sarfate got his 11th save of the season.  Bulls starter Carlos Hernandez (6-5 4.09 ERA) took the loss.  The Bulls had 4 runs on 7 hits with no errors leaving 2 aboard. The Tides had 5 runs on 8 hits and no errors leaving 4 runners stranded.

The Tides will not play again until Thursday when the teams return to action following the AAA All-Star Game break; the All-Star game will be played at Coca Cola Field in Allentown PA, the home of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs with Jeff Salazar on the roster for the Tides.  Chris Tillman was also named to the squad but was removed following his call up to Baltimore.

The Tides go into the break with a record of 42 wins and 50 losses in last place in the International League South. They are half a game behind the Gwinnett Braves who are 42-49 and 5 games behind Charlotte who have a record of 45-47.  Right now no one is contending with Durham, the Bull’s leading not only the Southern Division but the International League with a record of 55 wins and 35 losses.  The biggest challenge will be consistence and experience for the Tides as the Orioles still with many injuries to key players will continue to rely on the Tides for replacements the remainder of the season.  However, the Orioles are starting to look better being 12 and 12 since June 15th sweeping a four game set with the Western Division leading Texas Rangers in Arlington in the series prior to the break and it is possible that they could finish the season, even if a losing one with a measure of respectability as the team seems to be coming together with a lot of great performances by former Tides Corey Patterson, Jason Berken and Alfredo Simon.  Additionally Chris Tillman and Jake Arietta both had excellent starts in against Texas having back to back wins for the first time since they played for the Tides.

Tomorrow a look at the Major Leagues as I analyze the first half of the season and prognosticate about the second half that begins after the All-Star break including my post season picks. I have never tried to pick this far out so we will see how good I am.  Don’t forget my record in the 2009 playoffs and World’s Series was pretty impressive, especially my game by game World Series predictions.

Peace, Padre Steve+

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July 8, 2010 · 19:33

Tides Lose 9-4 on Tuesday but Romp Wednesday in 10-2 Win over Braves Patton Gets 6th Win

Troy Patton notched his 6th win against the Gwinnett Braves

The Norfolk Tides suffered a bit of a letdown after taking the last three games of their seven game set against Charlotte on Tuesday night losing to the Gwinnett Braves by a score of 9-4.  Tides starter Zach Britton (0-1 2.53 ERA) gave up 4 runs, 3 of which were earned on 7 hits while striking out 4 and walking 2. The Tides had 9 hits in the game and collected 5 walks from Braves pitchers but left 9 men on base including 6 left in scoring position the bulk of their runs coming in a 3 run 8th inning but it was not enough as Charlotte hitters dominated Tides pitchers in the first game of their four game series at Cool Ray Field.  The Braves were doing the tomahawk chop on Tuesday on the Tides collecting a total of 14 hits while capitalizing on 2 Tides errors and 6 walks.   Mike Minor (2-0 1.42 ERA) got the win for the Braves.

Robert Andino went 2 for 4 but had 4 RBIs

On Tuesday night the Tides struck back and struck back hard. Behind excellent pitching of Troy Patton (6-8 4.67 ERA) who has continued to get better as the season has worn one and finally is getting run support from the offense.  Patton pitched 7 strong innings giving up 2 runs on 4 hits. Walking just 1 and striking out 3. He yielded to Pat Egan who allowed no runs and a hit in the 8th and Denis Sarfate who allowed no hits to close the game in the 9th.  The Braves pitching staff on the other hand was smacked down hard by the Tides hitters. Starter Jo Jo Reyes did a good job lasting 6 innings and giving up just 2 runs on 9 hits striking out 8 Tides batters getting out of a number of jams. However the Braves could not spell “relief” and in the 7th inning Cory Gearrin (0-4 4.80) was blasted for 6 runs on 4 hits including a two run home run by Nolan Reimold and a double by Rhyne Hughes as well as 2 walks. Gearrin lasted but two-thirds of an inning and was relieved by Scott Proctor. Proctor got the 3rd out but gave up a run on 2 hits in the 8th.  Vladimir Nunez came on in the 9th and surrendered another run before getting out of the inning.

Nolan Reimold got his 5th Home run

Besides the Tides pitching the story was the hitting of the Tides. The Tides relentlessly pounded out 17 hits in the game in scoring the 10 runs.  For the first time that I can remember every Tides batter had a hit and a good number multiple hits.  Matt Angle went 3 for 4, Robert Andino 2-4 with 4 RBIs, Rhyne Hughes 2-5 with an RBI, Adam Donachie 3-3 with an RBI and Jonny Tucker 3-4 with 3 RBIs.  Nolan Reimold had a single hit the home run while Paco Figueroa and Blake Davis each picked up hits.

The Tides scored twice in the 3rd inning on a series of singles, but the big damage came in the 7th inning against Cory Gearrin.  Jonny Tucker walked and went to third on a wild pitch. Matt Angle walked and was followed by Robert Andino who singled to score Tucker.  Michael Aubrey came to the plate and singled to score both Angle and Andino taking 2nd on an error by Center Fielder Jordan Schafer.   This brought up Nolan Reimold who belted a home run to left field scoring him and Aubrey.  Rhyne Hughes then doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly by Adam Donachie.  Tucker doubled to lead off the 8th inning advanced to 3rd on a Matt Angle single and score on a sacrifice fly by Robert Andino. In the 9th inning Adam Donachie doubled and scored on a single by Blake Davis.

All told Troy Patton (6-8 4.67 ERA) got the win, Cory Gearrin (0-4 4.80 ERA) got the loss. The Tides had 10 runs on 17 hits and committed 2 errors leaving 8 men stranded.  The Braves had just 2 runs on 5 hits and an error leaving 5 men on base. The Tides travelled to Durham where tonight they face the division leading Bulls with Zach Clark (0-3 3.06 ERA) on the hill for the Tides and Richard D. De Los Santos (6-4 4.20 ERA) pitching for the Braves.

Chris George was reassigned to AA Bowie and former Tides reliever Ross Wolf who had been traded last month to the A’s AAA farm team the Sacramento River Cats had his contract purchased by the A’s and is now on that major league club. All the best to Ross in Oakland.  Brandon Erbe, Kam Mickolio and Brandon Snyder all remain on the disabled list.

Until the next time,

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 5, 2010 · 12:34

Tides Rip Knights in Charlotte 8-2 as Hitters Provide the Fireworks while Pitchers Shine

Chris George picked up his 4th win giving up just 4 hits in 7 innings work

The Tides went back on the road to continue an eight game series with the Charlotte Knights following their 7-6 walk off win on Saturday night.  On a warm but comfortable Carolina evening with over 15,000 in attendance the Tides hitters pounded the Knight’s pitching staff and starter Chris George and reliever Armando Gabino shut down the Knights’ offense.

Chris George started the game and was in the zone pitching 7 innings allowing just 4 hits and a run while striking out 5 and walking only one.  Armando Gabino came on for the 8th and 9th innings and was back in form allowing two hits and a run while striking out two.

Robert Andino hit his 8th home run in the 9th inning

The Tides got on the board first in the top of the 2nd inning on a home run by Rhyne Hughes with no one on base; Blake Davis followed with a double but was left stranded when Michel Hernandez grounded out.  In the 3rd inning the Tides struck again. Paco Figueroa walked and took second on a sacrifice bunt by Matt Angle and would score on a 2 out single by Jeff Salazar.  In the 4th inning the Tides picked up another run. Nolan Reimold walked and was put out at second on a force out when Rhyne Hughes grounded to First Baseman Josh Kroeger.  Blake Davis then came to the plate hit his second double in as many at bats to right field scoring Hughes from 1st base.

Michael Aubrey delivered a 3 run home run in the 5th inning

After holding the Knights scores in the 4th inning the Tides blew the game open in the 5th. Matt Angle tripled and Robert Andino walked.  Jeff Salazar grounded out to score Angle and send Andino to second.  This brought Michael Aubrey to the plate and Aubrey took Lucas Harrell’s first pitch and put it over the right field wall to make the score 6-0.  The Knights picked up a run on a leadoff homer by Stefan Gartrell but Chris George got the next three Knights in order striking out two.

Rhyne Hughes homered in the 2nd inning

Charlotte relievers held the Tides scoreless in the 6th, 7th and 8th innings while the Knights picked up their second and final run when Robert Hudson doubled and scored on a fielding error by Tides First Baseman Nolan Reimold.  In the 9th inning the Tides added two insurance runs when Paco Figueroa and Robert Andino homered putting the ball over the Center Field wall.  Gabino closed out the Knights in the 9th inning and the Tides walked away with an 8-2 win.

Blake Davis doubled twice

Chris George (4-3 4.16 ERA) got the win for the Tides while Knight’s starter Lucas Harrell (6-8 4.39 ERA) got the loss. The Tides had 8 runs on 9 hits, 7 of which went for extra bases including home runs by Hughes, Aubrey and Andino.  The Tides committed 2 errors, one of which allowed a Charlotte run and left 5 men on base.  The Knights mustered 2 runs on 6 hits committed no errors and left 5 runners on base.  The teams will meet today with Chris Tillman (7-4 3.07 ERA) taking the hill for the Tides against Knight’s ace Daniel Hudson (11-3 3.57 ERA).

Peace

Padre Steve+

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July 4, 2010 · 20:52

Tides Win 7-6 in Walk-off Fashion

Tides Reliever Jim Miller provided the Tides with the Opportunity to Win on Saturday Night at Harbor Park

The Norfolk Tides under the management of Bobby Dickerson have become a much more competitive team than under Gary Allenson and this was nowhere more in display than last night where after dropping three of the last four games to the Knights the Tides pulled victory from the jaws of defeat by coming back and then holding the Knights before having to pull out a victory in the 9th inning.

Paco Figueroa slides in safe at home in the 2nd Inning

Tim Bascom started the game for the Tides but got into trouble in each of the second, third and fourth innings. Bascom would only pitch 3.2 innings giving up 5 runs on 7 hits including a 2 run home run by Josh Kroeger along with 2 walks and a hit batsman before being pulled by Bobby Dickerson with two outs in the top of the 4th inning.  Dickerson made the right move putting in Jim Miller who had pitched a one-two-three 9th inning on Friday. Miller entered the game with two on and two out and got Josh Kroeger to fly out.  Miller pitched two more innings of scoreless relief getting out of a bases loaded and one out situation in the top of the 5th inning before sending the Knights down in order in the 6th. In fact in my opinion it was the switch to Miller and Miller’s gutsy performance that put the Tides in position to be able to win the game.

Robert Andino beginning his slide to score a run in the 7th inning

Miller was followed in the 7th inning by Pat Egan who also ran into trou8ble but was able to pitch his way out of it and Alberto Castillo who did the same in the 8th inning.

While the relief corps bent but didn’t break the Tides offense chipped away at the Charlotte lead. The Tides scored two in the bottom of the 2nd inning when Rhyne Hughes walked and was driven home by a Paco Figueroa double. Figueroa scored on a Blake Davis single.  The Tides scored again in the bottom of the 4th and once again it was the Hughes-Figueroa and Davis combination that plated the run.  Hughes singed and was sacrificed to 2nd base on a bunt by Figueroa.  Hughes then scored on Davis’ second RBI single.  The Tides scored again in the bottom of the 5th to narrow the margin to 5-4. Matt Angle singled and moved to second on a Robert Andino single. The next batter was AAA All-Star bound Jeff Salazar who plated Angle with another single.

Nolan Reimold provided the game winning hit with 2 outs in the bottom of the 9th

In the bottom of the 7th inning the Tides took the lead on a combination of good hitting and two errors in one play by the Knights.  Matt Angle walked to lead off the inning and moved to second as Robert Andino collected another single.  Jeff Salazar popped up for the first out and was followed by Nolan Reimold who walked to load the bases.  Then in what proved to be a mistake that would haunt the Knights Rhyne Hughes grounded to first base and First Baseman Josh Kroeger threw to Shortstop Robert Hudson for the force out at second. Then Hudson trying to get the double play and threw the ball away. Angle scored to tie the game but then for Charlotte the unthinkable happened, Josh Kroeger got to the ball and threw to the plate to attempt to get Andino who was driving for home. Kroeger’s throw went awry and Andino scored to give the Tides a 6-5 lead.

Neither side scored during the 8th inning. In the 9th inning closer Denis Sarfate took the hill for the Tides to try to get the save.  Sarfate who until late was lights out in relief, especially when closing had blown the save and lost Thursday’s game had control trouble and never really looked comfortable. He walked Donny Lucy and Lucy advanced on a sacrifice bunt by Brent Morrel. Robert Hudson doubled to score Lucy before Sarfate after a meeting on the mound with Bobby Dickerson struck out Alejando De Aza and got Fernando Cortez to ground out to end the inning.

The teams went to the bottom of the 9th knotted at six runs apiece and it looked like that Charlotte reliever Clevlan Santiliz would get the game into extra innings. Santiliz had come into the game in the 8th and sent the first five Tides that he faced down in order to include 5 strikeouts. However with 2 outs Jeff Salazar walked giving the Tides a glimmer of hope.  At this point Nolan Reimold who had not had a good game offensively stepped into the batter’s box to face the Charlotte reliever.  Reimold slammed a drive down the right field line into the corner which eluded Charlotte Right Fielder Stefan Gartrell.  Salazar running all the way scored easily from 1st base and in doing so brought the victory to the Tides.

Santiliz (0-4 5.97 ERA) got the loss while Denis Sarfate (1-1 4.25 ERA) despite blowing the save got the win for the Tides.  The Knights had 6 runs on 13 hits but committed the two critical errors in the 7th inning and left 14 men on base.  The Tides had 7 runs on 10 hits with no errors stranding 7 runners.  The teams meet again tonight in Charlotte with left hander Chris George (3-3 4.44 ERA) taking the hill for the Tides against Knight’s right-hander Lucas Harrell (6-7 4.04 ERA).  The Tides will be on the road this week in Charlotte and Gwinnett before returning for two games with the Braves prior to the AAA All-Star break.

In Boston today the Orioles behind the pitching of Brian Matusz who went 7 innings allowing only 2 hits and a strong offensive performance defeated the Red Sox at Fenway Park by a score of 6-1 after having been beaten in the first two games of the weekend series.

Peace and Happy Independence Day,

Padre Steve+

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July 3, 2010 · 14:12

Tides Honor the Negro Leagues but Lose to Charlotte 2-1 in Pitcher’s Duel

Sam Allen, Thomas Burt and Levi “Champie” Drew unveil the New Negro League Commemorative Stamp

It was another beautiful night for a ball game at the Church of Baseball Harbor Park Parish as 8483 fans gathered to see th3e Charlotte Knights take on the Norfolk Tides.  It was a special night as the Tides honored the Negro Leagues with the unveiling of the new US Postal Service Commemorative Negro League stamp set and with each team wearing replica Negro League uniforms representing the great teams that played in the historic leagues which did so much to help the cause of racial equality in the United States. On hand were Hampton Roads natives and former Negro League players including the great Sam Allen as well as Thomas Burt, Levi “Champie” Drew and Chester Moody. The stamp set which is two 44 cent stamps that when together honor the league as well as Andrew “Rube Foster the founder of the Negro National League and black baseball’s most influential personality who organized the first professional league in Negro Baseball. In 1920 Foster the owner of the Chicago American Giants decided that the time had arrived for a truly organized and stable Negro league. With Foster at the helm the Negro National League was born in Kansas City in 1920.  The league fielded eight teams many of which remain etched in the minds of modern baseball fans and which pioneered professional baseball and which provided the set for future hall of famers and Negro league greats to achieve national prominence and for some to break the racial barriers of Major League Baseball. The teams, the  Chicago American Giants, Chicago Giants, Cuban Stars, Dayton Marcos, Detroit Stars, Indianapolis ABCs, Kansas City Monarchs and St. Louis Giants survived the end of the first Negro National League in 1931 and remain part of the American baseball scene.

Zack Clark pitched well but took the loss

The game as I said was a pitcher’s duel and hitting on both sides took second place to solid pitching by the starters and the relievers. The Knights scored their two runs in the first inning on a walk, two singles and a sacrifice fly.  The Tides had chances to score during the game. They left Matt Angle at third base with no outs in the bottom of the first and Paco Figueroa died at home when trying to score on a one out ground ball by Robert Andino and Andino was left stranded second and Jeff Salazar at first when Michael Aubrey flied out. In the 9th both Nolan Reimold and Rhyne Hughes hit deep fly balls that died at the warning track both of which appeared would go out of the park before the wind knocked them down.  In the 7th inning the Tides got their one run when Rhyne Hughes doubled and was driven home by a Blake Davis single.

Paco Figueroa is tagged out at home in the 8th inning

Charlotte starter Jeff Marquez (7-4 4.02 ERA) went 7 innings allowing 4 hits and 1 run striking out 4 and waling 1 in picking up the win while Greg Aquino picked up his 9th save despite giving the Knights a scare with the two deep fly balls in the 9th.  Tides starter Zack Clark (0-3 3.06 ERA) picked up the loss but had an impressive performance as did relievers Mike Hinckley, Cla Meredith and Jim Miller. Miller was particularly impressive in the 9th sending the Knights down in order striking out two.

The Knights had 2 runs on 6 hits and committed two errors leaving 7 men on base.  The Tides 1 run on 5 hits with no errors stranding six runners.  Tonight the teams wrap up this part of their series before taking it back to Charlotte with Matt Zeleski (5-5 3.46 ERA) of the Knights going up against Tim Bascom (2-2 4.37 ERA) a game that will feature post-game fireworks in honor of the founding of the United States.

See you there,

Peace

Padre Steve

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July 2, 2010 · 12:41

Plop Plop Fizz Fizz Oh What a Relief it’s Not: Tides Lose 7-5 as Relievers Melt Down

Zach Britton was impressive in his AAA debut in Norfolk but got a no-decsion

It was an absolutely gorgeous night for baseball in Norfolk with unseasonably low temperatures in the mid-70s and low humidity at Harbor Park on Thursday night, the kind of baseball weather that in this part of the country fans long to have instead of the normally hot and humid weather typical for the 1st of July. On such a night the Norfolk Tides opened a three game home stand with the Charlotte Knights with Zach Britton making his AAA debut for the Tides.

Going into the top of the 7th inning it appeared that the Tides were well on their way to a victory behind the pitching of Britton.  The young pitcher dominated the Charlotte nights and in six innings work had a shutout going allowing only three hits while throwing 45 of 70 pitches for strikes.  The young left hander was in control the entire outing striking out four and walking none as Tides hitters had given him a 4-0 lead powered by Jeff Salazar and Rhyne Hughes who each pounded out a home run over the right field wall.

Jeff Salazar hits his 14th home run of the season

With Britton being on a pitch count Manager Bobby Dickerson brought in Armando Gabino into the game in the 7th inning. Gabino who has for the most part been a lights out middle reliever this season as well as occasional starter had control problems early throwing only 15 of 27 pitches for strikes. He walked Tyler Flowers to lead off the inning and on with 2 strikes on Josh Kroeger surrendered a home run that bounced across the roof to the right field Straub Beer party deck.  Gabino then got Stefan Gartrell to pop up for the first out. Jordan Danks then singled.  The Knights then received a gift from the Tides when on a deep fly ball to right field by Fernando Cortez Rhyne Hughes dropped the ball sending Danks to third and Cortez to second with only one out. Gabino then stuck out Brent Morel before being pulled for Alberto Castillo. Castillo has had his ups and downs this season and on the first pitch he hit Alejandro De Aza to load the bases. Luis Rodriguez singled to score Danks and Cortez to tie the game before striking out Buck Coats to end the inning.

Despite the loss it was a beautiful night for a ball game

The Tides took the lead back in the bottom frame when Robert Andino singled and pitcher Carlos Torres walked both Jeff Salazar and Michael Aubrey. Greg Aquino came in for the Knights and with the bases loaded walked Nolan Reimold to score Andino.  Unfortunately for the Tides they could not take advantage of a bases loaded and one out situation. Rhyne Hughes popped up and Blake Davis struck out swinging to end the inning.  The failure to capitalize on the pitching mistakes of the Knights would prove fatal for the Tides.  Castillo got his act together to send the Knights down in order in the 8th and in the bottom of the 8th the Tides failed to bring across Matt Angle who had reached first on a 3rd strike wild pitch and advance to second when Robert Andino walked before Jeff Salazar flew out to deep right field to end the inning.

With the lead again the Tides brought in Denis Sarfate who has been lights out as a closer this year having 10 saves to his credit.  Tonight however was not Sarfate’s night. After striking out Jordan Danks Sarfate loaded the bases on two walks and a single before giving up a single to Louis Rodriguez which scored two runs and left Rodriguez in a rundown in which he was out but the third runner Alejandro De Aza to score to give the Knights a 7-5 lead that they would not relinquish as the Tides went down quietly in the bottom of the 9th with only Joey Gathright reaching base on a two out walk.

Denis Sarfate (0-1 BS-1 4.08 ERA) got the loss for the Tides while Greg Aquino (1-3 5.25 ERA) got the win and Ryan Braun his 13th save. It was a night that the Tides wasted an opportunity to win the game and gain ground on the Knights but for the miserable performance of normally solid pitchers and the huge error of Rhyne Hughes.

Tonight the teams renew the series at Harbor Park with Zach Clark (0-2 3.09 ERA) on the hill for the Tides facing Jeff Marquez (6-4 4.24).  Tonight is a salute to the Negro Leagues and both the Tides and the Knights will be wearing replica Negro League uniforms as the US Postal Service unveils a commemorative Negro League stamp set in a pre-game ceremony.

In Baltimore Jake Arietta and Frank Mata got beaten up by the Athletics as the Orioles went down to defeat at Camden Yards by a score of 8-1.

See you at Harbor Park tonight.

Peace

Padre Steve+

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June 20, 2010 · 17:53

Tides Lose Friday 6-2 but Win Handily Saturday against Mud Hens 10-3

Jeff Salazar hit his 10th and 11th home runs on Saturday night

Chris George got roughed up by the Toledo Mud Hens on Friday night at 5th 3rd Field in the second game of a four game set between the Norfolk Tides and the Mud Hens.  Chris gave up 3 runs in the 1st inning on a 3 run homer by Jeff Larish with 2 outs in the inning.  Chris was stung again in the bottom of the 2nd when Scott Sizemore hit a 2 run blast with 2 outs in the bottom frame of that inning.

The Tides got a run in the 1st inning when Matt Angle singled, stole second and advanced to 3rd on a throwing error by Mud Hens catcher Jeff Kunkle.  He scored on a ground ball hit by Robert Andino.  In the second inning the Tides scored again when Nolan Reimold and Michel Hernandez singled and Reimold scored on a ground out by Blake Davis.

With the score 5-2 the Mud Hens picked up another run on George when Jeff Kunkle doubled and scored on an RBI single by Brent Dlugach.  The Tides made the game closer in the top of the 5th inning closing the gap to 6-4.  Matt Angle walked and then erased on a force out when Robert Andino grounded to third.  Jeff Salazar popped out to third for the 2nd out bringing Josh Bell to the plate.  Bell walked and was followed by Michael Aubrey who doubled to score Andino and Bell.

Michel Hernandez went 3 for 4 including a double on Saturday

The rest of the game was about relief pitching. George left the game in the top of the 5th having surrendered 6 runs on 9 hits including 2 home runs in 4 innings work. In those 4 innings he threw 85 pitches.  Mike Hinckley came on in relief pitching the 5th and 6th innings allowing 2 runs but no runs walking none and striking out two.  Alberto Castillo came on in the 7th and pitched two scoreless innings giving up no hits or walks and striking out two.  The Mud Hens relievers were just as effective as the Tides.  Josh Rainwater came into the game in the top of the 6th inning and pitched three scoreless innings allowing 2 hits.  John Sborz closed the game getting his 15th save of the campaign allowing no hits though Robert Andino reached on an error by Scott Sizemore.

Alberto Castillo pitched well in relief on Friday

The game ended with the Tides having 4 runs on 9 hits with two errors and leaving 8 men on base. The Mud Hens had 6 runs on 11 hits and one error also leaving 8 runners on base. Ruddy Lugo (2-3 8.23 ERA) got the win for the Mud Hens while Chris George (2-2 4.28 ERA) got the loss.

On Saturday the Tides bats came alive to give Troy Patton his 5th win of the season, something that Troy had not had much of early in the year. Troy pitched 5 innings allowing 3 runs, only one of which was earned, 6 hits, 2 walks and 2 strike outs. Armando Gabino back in the middle relief role with the return of Brad Bergeson to the Tides came into the game in the top of the 6th inning and remained strong in relief pitching three scoreless innings giving up three hits.  Cla Meredith closed the game for the Tides and for the first time since his arrival shut down the opposing team pitching a one-two-three 9th inning striking out two.

The Tides went to work on Mud Hens pitchers beginning with the starter Lauren Gagnier who they tagged for 6 runs on 9 hits including a 3rd inning home run by Josh Bell, his 8th of the season.

The Mud Hens got out to an early lead scoring on a pair of doubles by Scott Sizemore and Jeff Frazier however they would not score again until the 5th inning when Patton walked Scott Sizemore and then made a throwing error on a force attempt which allowed Jeff Frazier on board.  Jeff Larish doubled to score both Sizemore and Frazier but Patton would pitch out of trouble ending the inning.

The Tides scored early pounding out 4 runs in the top of the 2nd inning against Gagnier. Nolan Reimold doubled with one out and took third on a wild pitch. Michael Aubrey walked and with Robert Andino batting Gagnier threw wild on a pickoff attempt allowing Reimold to score and Aubrey to take 2nd.  Andino struck out swinging and catcher Michel Hernandez singled to score Aubrey and took second on the attempt to get Aubrey at home.  Paco Figueroa singled to score Hernandez and scored on an RBI double by Matt Angle.  Josh Bell hit his 8th home run in the top of the 3rd and made the score 5-1.  In the top of the 6th Hernandez singled with one out and scored on a triple by Paco Figueroa. This sent Gagnier to the showers and brought in Matt Hoffman.  Then the Tides did something that they have not done this year, made the bold attempt to steal home.  Figueroa was out at the plate but the next batter, Matt Angle singled and scored on Jeff Salazar’s 10th home run of the season to make the score 8-3.  In the top of the 8th with Hoffman still pitching Michel Hernandez doubled and Paco Figueroa walked to chase Hoffman from the game and bring on Scott Drucker. Drucker got Matt Angle to ground into a double play giving the Mud Hens hope that they might stop the Tides.  His hopes were dashed when Salazar hit his second home run of the game, his 11th of the season.

At the end of the day it was the Tides wining scoring 10 runs on 14 hits and one error with three home runs leaving 6 men on base.  The Mud Hens scored 3 runs on 9 hits also having an error leaving 9 runners stranded.  Troy Patton (5-7 4.74 ERA) got the win and Gagnier (3-3 3.49 ERA) got the loss. The teams play the final game against each other for the season tonight with Brandon Erbe (0-9 6.03 ERA) going up against Alfredo Figaro (5-4 4.36 ERA) on the hill for the Hens.

In a personnel note Tides outfielder Joey Gathright was reactivated coming off the 7 Day Disabled List.

Until next time.

Peace,

Padre Steve+

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June 15, 2010 · 16:43

Tides Sink Clippers 6-3 as Gabino Notches 4th Win

Robert Andino had 3 RBIs in the Tides 6-3 win over Columbus Monday

Well it wasn’t the prettiest win but Armando Gabino gutted out six innings against the Columbus Clippers at Huntington Field on Monday night to notch his fourth win of the season. Gabino showed a lot of fortitude after giving up a leadoff double in the 1st inning to Michael Brantley who scored on a Nick Weglarz single with one out. Gabino got out of that inning and gave up another run in the 2nd inning when Jared Goedert homered to left with 2 outs in the inning.  He gave up doubles in the 3rd, 4th and 6th innings but each time with the pressure on was able to work out of each jam against a very good hitting Clippers lineup.

Armando Gabino picked up his 4th win of the 2010 season

The Tides bats came back to life and with the Tides down 1-0 in the top of the 2nd inning it was Third Baseman Josh Bell that tolled loudly for the Tides as he homered over the right field wall on a 1 and 2 count.  With the Tides down 2-1 in the top of the 4th inning Michael Aubrey doubled and was followed by Bell who also doubled to score Aubrey.  Bell came home on a Nolan Reimold single to give the Tides the lead at 3-2 and on Monday they would not fall behind again. The Tides added to their lead in the 5th inning when Michel Hernandez led off with a single and advanced to second on a sacrifice bunt by Blake Davis. Matt Angle flied out to deep right which allowed Hernandez to take third base.  Robert Andino came to the plate with two outs and Andino who has been a RBI machine of late singled to score Hernandez to make the lead 4-3 providing the insurance that the Tides would need to seal the deal.

Andy Mitchell made his third middle relief of the series again holding the hard hitting Clippers

Andy Mitchell came into the game in the top of the 7th inning to make his third appearance in three games against the Clippers.  Mitchell struck out Jared Goedert but then gave up consecutive singles to Cord Phelps and Michael Brantley placing runners on first and second with one out.  Seeking a double play ball it appeared that Mitchell would get it when Josh Rodriguez hit the ball back to Mitchell who had trouble with it and then threw wide to second pulling Blake Davis off the bag and loading the bases. With Davis arguing the call at second and Mitchell preparing to join in Tides Manager Bobby Dickerson  came to the mound and helped calm down the normally unflappable Mitchell who then pitched out of the jam getting Nick Weglarz to ground out scoring Phelps and then getting Matt LaPorta to ground out on a 3-1 count.

Josh Bell got his 7th home run of the season as well as an RBI double

With the Tides now leading 4-3 Denis Sarfate came in for a 2 out save attempt.  Sarfate who had 7 saves going into the night allowed a single to Jordan Brown but got Wes Hodges on a double play when he attempted to bunt sacrifice Brown to second.  Sarfate then struck out Lou Marson to end the inning.

In the top of the 9th the Tides offense struck again and once more Robert Andino would be in the mix. Brandon Snyder led off the inning sending a 1-0 pitch by reliever Joe Smith into center field for a single. Michel Hernandez reached on a force attempt on a throwing error by First Baseman Jordan Brown.  Blake Davis sacrificed bunted to advance Snyder to third and Hernandez to second. Smith then intentionally walked Matt Angle to load the bases hoping to create conditions for a double play.  This was not to be as Smith had to face the clutch hitting Robert Andino who on the first pitch singled to left field scoring both Snyder and Hernandez to make the lead 6-3.

Sarfate then faced the Clippers in the bottom of the 9th.  He struck out Jared Goedert for the first out but then walked Cord Phelps.  However the glimmer of hope given to the Clippers was short lived when on a 0-2 count Sarfate got Michael Brantley to ground into a four-six-three double play to end the inning and the game.

The Tides had 6 runs on 10 hits and 2 errors leaving seven runners on base while the Clippers had 3 runs on 9 hits and no errors also stranding seven.  Armando Gabino (4-0 2.62 ERA) got the win for the Tides and Sarfate got his 8th save.  The loss went to Clippers starter Carlos Carrasco (5-3 4.22ERA). Today the teams conclude the series with Tim Bascom (0-1 3.86) making his second AAA appearance for the Tides going up against Jeanmar Gomez (3-7 6.96 ERA).  In San Fransisco former Tides starter Chris Tillman was manhandled by the Giants as the Orioles lost to the Giants 10-2 in interleague play.  The Orioles have lost 17 of their last 18 games with the only win coming on the arm of recently promoted Jake Arietta.

Until next time…

Peace,

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