Tuesday night at Harbor Park: Gwinnett 7, Tides 4

Down 3-2, the Brave's offense torched Alberto Castillo for five runs - one earned - in the top of the ninth to steal a victory. Shortstop Blake Davis' error with one out extended the inning, and after a walk forced in a run and a sacrifice fly, Brooks Conrad capped the five-run frame with a three-run blast to left.

Not enough

The Tides loaded the bases with no one out in the bottom of the inning, but the rally fell short after Brandon Snyder’s sacrifice fly scored Joey Gathright. It was the sixth straight win in the rivalry for Gwinnett, which extended its division lead to seven games over Norfolk.

Castillo had picked up five saves and allowed just one run in his last 10 appearances.

“It was the first-place team and we had them right where we wanted them,” Tides manager Gary Allenson said. “We just couldn’t close it out.”

Playing long ball

Conrad’s homer wasn’t the only long ball to trouble Tides pitching. Clint Sammons blasted a Chris Waters pitch past the picnic area in left in the top of the fifth and then drilled another home run just inside the left field pole in the top of the seventh off Josh Perrault.

Wasted effort

The come-from-behind win spoiled starter Waters’ effort. The lefty had cruised through the Gwinnett lineup a day after his 29th birthday. He allowed a run and three hits over 5u2154 innings. He struck out four and walked one.

On the mend

Righthander Tim Hudson gave up two runs on nine hits over 4u2154 innings in his third rehab start for the Braves. “It went all right – I feel pretty good,” he said. “It was a good test, I threw about 80 pitches tonight.” The two-time All-Star is on the Atlanta Braves’ 60-day disabled list while recovering from Tommy John surgery on his pitching elbow.

Comings and goings

Pitcher Kam Mickolio and infielder Michael Aubrey were called up to Baltimore on Tuesday. Mickolio is taking the spot of pitcher Matt Albers, who was sent to the Tides. Rhyne Hughes was also added to the Tides’ roster after being named as part of the trade that sent Gregg Zaun to Tampa Bay.