Tides Snap Bulls' Winning Streak in Opener

NORFOLK, VA - The Durham Bulls saw their six-game winning streak come to an end Monday night at the hands of the Norfolk Tides, falling 3-0 in the opener of a two-game set.

Tides righty David Hale (2-6) picked up the victory with 6 2/3 innings of scoreless ball, allowing just four hits, walking one and striking out three. The starter left with the bases loaded and two outs in the seventh, but Pedro Beato entered and induced an inning-ending strikeout to keep the Bulls (51-59) off the scoreboard.

Norfolk (44-65) scored all three runs in the third inning, as Michael Almanzar led off the frame with a solo homer to left field. Ozzie Martinez laced a double to right that scored Xavier Avery, and Christian Walker's two-out single scored Martinez for a 3-0 advantage. Jason Stoffel earned his ninth save of the campaign, facing the minimum three batters in the ninth.

Justin Marks (4-10) pitched well in the loss for the Bulls, allowing three runs on five hits in seven innings. The southpaw allowed just one hit outside the third inning to lose for the first time after the All-Star break.

After scoring five runs or more in their last six games the Bulls (51-59) were held to just four hits, as Taylor Motter, Casey Gillaspie and Jaff Decker all doubled, while Johnny Field notched a single. Durham went 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position, and left six men on in the loss.

The road trip wraps on Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. at Harbor Park, when Durham sends RHP Jaime Schultz (4-3, 3.33) to the mound opposite RHP Joe Gunkel (5-9, 4.34) for Norfolk.