Two big innings doomed the Tides as they fell behind 8-0 and couldn't claw their way back against Memphis. Early on, Norfolk starter Thaddeus Ward worked around two hits and two walks to start the game with three scoreless innings. The game started to fall apart for Ward in the 4th, as Jimmy Crooks started the innings with a lead-off solo HR. Ryan Vilade and César Prieto then hit back-to-back singles and Ward hit Gavin Collins to load the bases. Another double and single later, and the bases were clear while Memphis had a 5-0 lead.
Things didn’t get better for Ward in the 5th, as he gave up a single to leadoff hitter Jose Barrero, walked the next batter he faced and then left a cutter over the plate for Vilade, who deposited it over the left-center wall for a three-run homer.