ELEVEN TIDES MARCHED TO THE PLATE in the seventh inning and almost all of them contributed to a five-run outburst that carried Norfolk to its second consecutive victory.
During a game in which Columbus manager Tim Foli, Tides outfielder Luis Terrero and Clippers pitcher Tyler Clippard were ejected for disputing calls, Norfolk was able to keep its cool long enough to produce a rally that changed the complexion of the game.
“We lost the momentum and then we got it back,” Tides manager Gary Allenson said.
The Tides (46-60), who led the International League with a .272 batting average before Friday and have averaged 6.1 runs per game this month, generated 13 hits.
More than meets the eye
Andy Mitchell began the season as a middle reliever. Now, he is the first Tides pitcher to reach 10 wins. Mitchell threw six innings Friday, allowing seven hits and two earned runs against Columbus.
Mitchell, who features a quirky submarine delivery, continues to exceed expectations for a team that has struggled to find an ace.
“Andy pitched awesome tonight,” Tides first baseman Mike Costanzo said.
Manager Gary Allenson agreed and then shook his head. “He’s supposed to be a middle reliever,” Allenson said. “Now, he’s 10-5.”
Local connection
John Canning Jr., the largest single investor in the Tides who has owned a stake in the team since 1993, was among the parties who had attempted to buy the Chicago Cubs, who are expected to be sold for more than $1 billion by the Tribune Company.
Although the bid by Canning and a group of Chicago businessmen was not among the five finalists selected, there still is a chance he could buy the team if Major League Baseball objects to Tribune chairman Sam Zell’s recommended owner, according to a report in the Chicago Sun-Times.
Canning is also a part owner of the Milwaukee Brewers, with whom baseball commissioner Bud Selig once served as club president.
Double Dutch
Curacao, a small island in the Netherlands Antilles, has produced six major league players. But the Washington Nationals appear intent on cornering the market there. Clippers infielder Yurendell de Caster and pitcher Shairon Martis both grew up in the Caribbean territory.
Next month they will represent the Netherlands during the Olympics.
Martis’ claim to fame is that he pitched a no-hitter against Panama in the World Baseball Classic. De Caster, who made his major league debut two years ago, was hitting .253 with 10 home runs and 46 RBIs before Friday.
Today
Columbus (RHP Dennis Tankersley, 2-3, 5.12 ERA) vs. Tides (LHP Chris Waters, 3-5, 6.08) at Harbor Park, 7:15 p.m.
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