The Norfolk Tides managed just four hits and struck out 17 times Friday night as they lost 5-2 at Durham before a crowd of 8,121.
The Tides (40-45, 4-6 in the International League’s second half) fell to 1-1 in the North Carolina portion of the series after going 1-2 at Harbor Park in this week’s clashes against the Bulls (41-45, 5-6). They will meet in the series finale at 6:35 Saturday night.
Veteran Garrett Cooper, in his eighth game with the Tides, belted his fourth home run and was 2 for 4. Daniel Johnson drove home Coby Mayo with a groundout and stole a base.
Tucker Davidson (2-3), the first of six Norfolk pitchers, gave up two runs, three hits and three walks but struck out six to take the loss. Burch Smith, making his Tides debut after being released June 20 by the Miami Marlins and signed by Baltimore a week later, struck out two in an inning of relief.
René Pinto was 3 for 4 with two runs and two RBIs for the Bulls. Ronny Simon was 2 for 4, stole a base and scored twice, Ben Seymour hit a two-run single, and Heriberto Hernandez was 2 for 2 and walked twice.
Durham’s first reliever, winner Joe Record (1-0), struck out the only two batters he faced. That came after left-handed starter Jacob Lopez struck out 11 in 4 1/3 shutout innings, walking one and giving up two hits.
Saturday night, Norfolk right-hander Chayce McDermott (2-5, 3.58) is scheduled to start against Durham lefty Mason Mongtomery (0-5, 6.08).
