One night after defeating the best pitcher in the International League, the Norfolk Tides were stopped in their tracks by another top-level pitcher Friday night at Harbor Park as they fell to the Durham Bulls 4-1 in front of 6,611 fans.
Matt Moore (4-0, 1.37) won his 10th straight decision, dating back to May 15 when he lost a Double-A start with Montgomery, by defeating the Tides for the second time in 11 days. He allowed just one run on four hits in 6.0 innings and struck out 10 batters, his sixth double-digit strikeout performance in 27 total starts this season.
Brandon Snyder put the lone blemish on Moore’s night, driving in Josh Bell with a double in the 4th inning that made the score 4-1.
Chris Tillman (3-6, 5.19) took the loss after allowing four runs in 5.0 innings. He allowed just five hits and struck out four batters, but it was four walks that hurt him.
Tillman’s first walk came with two outs in the 1st inning, and Dan Johnson made him pay by crushing a two-run homer into the Tides bullpen that gave Durham an early lead. The righthander didn’t issue his second walk until the 4th inning, but once again the Bulls were able to plate a run off the base on balls when Leslie Anderson hammered a run-scoring double to straight-away center field.
Rob Delaney picked up his 13th save by tossing a perfect 9th inning.
Tim Beckham also added an RBI for the Bulls.
Wynn Pelzer tossed 3.0 scoreless innings and Nick Bierbrodt added a scoreless 9th inning for the Tides.
The win gave the Bulls their 5th-straight South Division Championship.
The Tides paid tribute to the servicemembers killed in the August 6th plane crash in Afghanistan with a pre-game ceremony. Players and coaches wore special camouflage uniforms with names of the servicemembers on their back. The game-worn jerseys were presented to the families of the servicemembers following the game.
The Tides and Bulls will continue their four-game series Saturday night at 7:15. RH Mitch Atkins (3-7, 5.20) will take the ball for the Tides opposite LH Alex Torres (9-7, 3.14). It will be fan appreciation night at Harbor Park as thousands of prizes will be given away to fans throughout the game. A spectacular fireworks show will follow the game.
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