Tides wash away Columbus

The Tides struck early and often as Norfolk won decisively 8-1 over Columbus at Huntington Park.

Norfolk wasted no time getting on the scoreboard in this game. Jason Pridie got the Tides started with a bang, clubbing a three run homer beyond the right field wall and onto Nationwide Boulevard. Xavier Avery later added an RBI single as the Tides leaped out to a 4-0 lead.

The Clippers got on the board with a Chun Chen RBI groundout in the bottom of the first. Unfortunately, the Tides retaliated with two runs in the top of the second on RBI singles by Eric Thames and Steve Clevenger.

Trevor Bauer did not last long on the mound for Columbus. His final line: 2 innings, six runs on six hits, four walks and three strikeouts.

Norfolk kept scoring in this game. They tallied two runs in the fifth when Clevenger scored on a wild pitch and Yamaico Navarro drove home a run with an RBI sacrifice fly.

Tides knuckleballer Eddie Gamboa kept the Clippers off balanced during his six innings of work. He held Columbus to one run on three hits while striking out seven and walking four.

Columbus managed only one more hit after Gamboa's exit as Norfolk took the series opener. Gamboa (W, 2-3) collected the win for Tides. Bauer (L, 6-6) was hit with the loss for the Clippers.Mike Belfiore (S, 1) pitched the final three innings for Norfolk, earning a save in the process. 

The Tides and Clippers will meet again on Sunday night. Columbus will give the ball to right-hander Joe Martinez (2-7, 5.90). Norfolk will go with lefty Tsuyoshi Wada (4-5, 4.41). First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 PM.