Norfolk Tides Blank Rochester Red Wings 4-0 - AAA, IL

MLN - THE RAW FEED - www.mlntherawfeed.com - NORFOLK - Four Norfolk pitchers combined on a six-hit shutout, leading the Tides to a 3-0 win over the Rochester Red Wings Thursday afternoon from Harbor Park.

Norfolk starter Jon Leicester led the charge, as he allowed four hits and one walk while striking out four in four innings of work. The 29-year-old right-hander was extremely efficient, as 47 of his 58 pitches went for strikes.

Tides reliever Andy Mitchell (2-0) earned the win with two scoreless innings of relief. Mitchell pitched himself into a bit of trouble in the 5th inning after walking the bases loaded with two outs, but he retired Red Wings cleanup batter Garrett Jones on a groundout to avert any damage.


ADVERTISEMENT Lance Cormier followed Mitchell with two innings of relief, and Norfolk closer Bob McCrory retired Rochester in the 9th inning to pick up his third save of the season.

Norfolk's defense turned four double plays in the contest.

Mike McCoy got the Tides on the board in the third inning, as he led off the frame with a double to left and scored on a sacrifice fly by Eider Torres. Norfolk added a run in the 5th on an RBI double by Sebastien Boucher, and McCoy scored the final run of the contest in the 7th inning after he stroked a two-out single, stole second, and scored on a single by Tike Redman.

With the win, Norfolk finished its opening homestand at 5-3. The Tides hit .294 over the opening eight games and posted a 3.71 ERA.

The Tides will take to the road on Friday for the first time in 2008, as they travel to Indianapolis for a 7:15 start. Radhames Liz (0-0, 5.79) is slated to take the hill for Norfolk against Indians right-hander Luis Munoz (0-0, 4.50).

If you like the daily news of the Raw Feed, SUBSCRIBE TODAY to the nation's only alternative professional sports magazine, SZ, with original features and great action photography in baseball, hockey, basketball, and football. Just $11.99 per year for an e-zine like you’ve never seen!