Wild ending extends Tides' skid to 5 games

Posted to: Sports Tides

The Virginian-Pilot
© June 25, 2008

Staff report

An unusual ending extended the Norfolk Tides' losing streak to five games.

Tides reliever Greg Aquino threw a wild pitch - on a third strike - with two out in the bottom of the ninth inning, allowing Javier Castillo to race home from third base with the winning run in the Charlotte Knights' 6-5 victory against visiting Norfolk on Tuesday afternoon in Fort Mill, S.C.

Norfolk led 5-4 entering the bottom of the ninth, but Castillo drove in Danny Richar on a one-out double to tie it. Aquino notched a strikeout and surrendered a single that put runners on the corners. Aquino struck out the next batter, but catcher Chris Heintz couldn't control the ball, allowing Castillo to score.

Norfolk's Mike Costanzo hit two home runs and finished with three RBIs. Scott Moore also homered for the Tides, who dropped to 28-50, the worst record in the International League.

Former Tide Scott Sauerbeck (1-1) earned the win, pitching a scoreless ninth.

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