Tides Win Rubber Game, 2-1, Over Chiefs

After splitting the two previous games with the Syracuse Chiefs, the Norfolk Tides took the third 2-1, at NBT Bank Stadium on Wednesday afternoon to win the series.

Chris Parmelee’s RBI single scored Nolan Reimold from second, putting the Tides on the board in the top of the first inning. The Chiefs responded in the bottom of the second when Matt den Dekker singled to right field and then advanced to the second off Cutter Dykstra’s ground out. Emmanuel Burriss’ fifth RBI of the season tied the score at one.

Seven strong scoreless innings followed as both starting pitchers kept their teams in the game. Bruce Billings pitched six innings for the Chiefs, allowing one run on three hits. He also struck out three Notfolk hitters and once retired 13 Tides in a row. His mound counterpart, Mike Wright, gave up the same run and hits on the stat sheet as he also walked five Chiefs, but also struck out four.

“He controlled the paces,” Burriss said of Billings. “It’s unfortunate to have a guy throw that well and not get the win.”

The three Norfolk relievers shut out the Chiefs, while the three Syracuse relievers allowed a run. That became the difference of the game.

Rich Hills walked Parmelee and one batter later, he walked Steve Clevenger. Sam Runion then relieved Hills and gave up a ground ball to Christian Walker that scored Parmelee, putting the Tides ahead for good in the top of the ninth. Tides relief pitcher Oliver Drake struck out three Chiefs on 12 pitches to complete the save.

The Chiefs will host Durham for another three-game series. The Tides will return to Harbor Park to face Buffalo for a three game set. Both first pitches of the series begin at 8 p.m. on Friday.