Tides walk-off with third straight win
With the score knotted at 2-2 entering the final frame, Michel Hernandez ignited Norfolk's winning rally with a one-out single off of Chad Paronto (1-2). Figueroa came on as a pinch-runner, and one out later moved to second on a single to left field off the bat of Jeff Salazar. Andino then lined the first pitch he saw into center field and Figueroa raced home ahead of Bubba Bell's throw, giving the Tides their third straight win to end the series.
Andino has now hit safely in each of his last 11 home games, hitting .304 (14-for-46) with three homers and nine RBI over that stretch.
Josh Bell paced Norfolk's offense with two doubles among his three hits, while Salazar added two hits and a run scored. Brandon Snyder added an RBI double for the Tides, who matched their season-high with their third straight win.
Frank Mata (2-1) earned the win, as he worked around a hit and a walk to pitch a scoreless ninth inning.
Tides starter Chris George turned in an effective outing, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings of work. George struck out five and walked one in his first start since being placed on the disabled list May 13 with a strained groin.
Pawtucket got all the runs they would score in the first inning, as Aaron Bates hit a two-out, RBI triple and came in to score on an RBI double by Dusty Brown.
Tug Hulett added two hits for the Red Sox, who travel to Durham Saturday for a four-game series.
Norfolk will welcome the Rochester Red Wings to Harbor Park on Saturday for the start of a four-game series, with first pitch scheduled for 7:15. Troy Patton (2-5, 5.53) will get the start for the Tides against right-hander Matt Fox (3-2, 3.06).
Saturday is Armed Forces Night presented by Navy Mutual Aid, with $6.50 discounted reserved seat tickets available for active duty military, dependents and retirees (with ID). There will be a pregame ceremony honoring the Armed Forces, as well as a postgame fireworks extravaganza, presented by Navy Mutual.