Tides hold on for 5-4 win
The Tides entered the final frame with a 5-0 lead, only to see the Bulls charge back with four runs. Justin Ruggiano belted a one-out, three-run homer to spoil the shutout, and Dioner Navaro later added an RBI single to pull the Bulls within one. Tides closer Dennis Sarfate escaped the threat, however, as he induced a game ending double play grounder off the bat of former Oriole Chris Richard to help the Tides snap a three-game losing skid.
The Tides had jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the third inning, as Robert Andino had an RBI single and Nolan Reimold and Rhyne Hughes followed with RBI groundouts.
Norfolk then extended its lead to 5-0 in the seventh inning on RBI singles by Andino and Matt Angle.
Tides starter Armando Gabino (5-0) was tremendous, as he allowed just three singles in 6.1 shutout innings. Gabino struck out four without walking a batter and threw 49 of his 69 pitches for strikes. Gabino's ERA now stands at 2.48.
Carlos Hernandez (6-5) took the loss for the Bulls, allowing four runs on six hits in 6.1 innings. Hernandez struck out three and walked one.
The two clubs will enjoy the Triple-A All-Star break from Monday through Wednesday before returning to action on Thursday night.