Tides beat the Braves, 5-2

In the world of minor league baseball, Sept. 1 marks perhaps the most important day on the calendar. Today, big league clubs can expand their rosters to 40 men, providing a group of farmhands the opportunity to prove themselves for an entire month on the sport's grandest stage. A trio of Tides - outfielder Nolan Reimold, first baseman Brandon Snyder and shortstop Robert Andino - learned they are the lucky ones after Norfolk's 5-2 win over Gwinnett on Tuesday. They will join the Baltimore Orioles tonight.

Triple-A players don't like to talk about September much, forcing themselves to mitigate their expectations. But everybody in the Tides' clubhouse knows the significance of this day and stores it in the back of their minds.

The promotion likely means the most to Snyder. This is his first call-up to the big leagues. Andino and Reimold both have a relatively substantial amount of service time. Nevertheless, all three players now have the chance to impress new manager Buck Showalter and wet their feet in Baltimore before reporting for spring training next year.

Snyder in particular leaves Norfolk on a good note. He hit a two-run home run in the second inning Tuesday, giving the Tides a quick 2-0 lead and setting the tone for the evening. He finished the game 2 for 3.

"It's a really, really nice surprise," Snyder said. "I'm very, very thankful and very, very fortunate to even have this. It's just awesome."

Tuesday's starting pitcher, Chris Tillman, did not get called up after the game, but he likely will join the other three within the next few days.

Reports have circulated that the Orioles will promote Tillman and use a six-man rotation for at least a portion of September.

The same reports suggest that heralded left-handed pitcher Zach Britton will not be promoted.

Tillman's performance Tuesday only could have helped his chances. Tillman dominated for 6 2/3 innings, allowing five hits and no runs. He looked sharp throughout the night and showed why the organization views him as one of its top prospects.

Tillman threw 100 pitches, including 63 strikes, and recorded his 11th Triple-A win.

"He was in total command," manager Bobby Dickerson said. "He was relaxed on the m ound, his poise was off the chart, he attacked the hitters. He worked ahead, he pitched to contact. All the things that he has to do to be successful, he did."

Ugly inning

The Tides scored what turned out to be the winning run in the sixth, when Gwinnett committed three errors.

Matt Angle reached second when center fielder Antoan Richardson dropped a fly ball. The pitcher, Jose Ortegano, tried to pick Angle off, but threw the ball into the outfield. Shortstop Joe Thurston retrieved the ball and made an errant throw toward third, allowing Angle to score.