Friday night at Harbor Park: Tides 8, Durham 2

FOR THE SECOND TIME since 1993, Norfolk has won nine consecutive games. A masterful pitching performance by Chris Tillman and offensive outbursts in the first, fifth and seventh innings Friday night helped the Tides seize first place in the International League South Division. Scott Moore made several acrobatic plays at third base. Oscar Salazar had three hits, including a long home run. And Tillman dominated. "It's a long season," Moore said. "But we're off to a really good start. We're going to be a fun team."

King of the hill

Almost every time Tillman fired, catcher Matt Wieters’ mitt would pop. The radar gun registered the pitch’s speed and the crowd would react with delight.

“That’s some electric stuff right there,” Tides manager Gary Allenson said.

For much of the night, Tillman demonstrated why he is considered the organization’s most promising pitching prospect. Showcasing his lively arm, Tillman challenged Durham’s hitters. His fastball climbed as high as 97 mph and his curveball and changeup kept the Bulls off balance.

Tillman allowed three hits in six innings, striking out six and walking one.

“Everything was working for me tonight,” Tillman said. “I felt great.”

Early and often

Teams are discovering the best way to beat the Tides is to keep them from scoring early. This season, the Tides are outscoring foes 18-2 in the first two innings. And Friday, the Tides grabbed a 4-0 lead in the first inning, highlighted by back-to-back home runs by Nolan Reimold and Jolbert Cabrera.

“Fortunately, we’ve been able to score early,” said Moore, who went 1 for 4. “I think that helps the starting pitching.”

Cat and mouse

Salazar provided a moment of levity in the fifth inning. After Wieters scored on Justin Turner’s single to right field, Salazar made the turn around third base. Justin Ruggiano’s throw arrived to catcher John Jaso as Salazar was in full sprint.

As Jaso attempted to tag the Tides’ first baseman, Salazar skipped past the plate and danced out of the way – taking a few jab steps toward home before giving up. Jaso laughed before tossing the ball toward Salazar after the inning ended with the Tides leading 6-0.

“He was trying to score,” Allenson said. “But he ended up doing the samba.”