JACKSONVILLE - A six-run third inning sunk the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp in the Norfolk Tides’ 8-4 victory on Friday night in front of 7,521 fans at 121 Financial Ballpark.
Down 2-0, Norfolk (27-9) touched Jacksonville (18-17) right-handed pitcher Ronald Bolaños (1-3) for six runs in the third inning to regain the lead.
Four consecutive singles by Anthony Bemboom, Shayne Fontana, Colton Cowser and Connor Norby plated the first two runs for the Tides. Following a fly out, Jordan Westburg hit a triple to center field to bring in another pair of runs.
Then, Joey Ortiz fielder’s choice brought in the fifth run of the inning. Lewin Diaz followed with a single, allowing Ortiz to move to third before scoring on a sacrifice fly by Daz Cameron to make it 6-2.
Jordan Groshans laced a leadoff double to begin the third frame. After a fly out and strikeout, Jacob Amaya (3) hit a two-run home run to cut into Norfolk’s lead, 6-4.
In the sixth inning, back-to-back two-out walks and a double by Diaz extended the Tides lead to 8-4.
Jacksonville got their bats moving in the first against Norfolk starter Chris Vallimont. With two outs, Groshans earned a base on balls and Jerar Encarnacion sliced a base hit to center. Amaya then brought in Groshans and Encarnacion to make it a 2-0 lead.
Jacksonville and Norfolk continue their series Saturday at 6:35 p.m. RHP George Soriano (0-0, 1.17) starts for the Jumbo Shrimp against the Tides LHP Bruce Zimmermann (1-2, 3.58).