COLUMBUS – Norfolk rallied with two runs on three hits in the eighth inning to edge the Clippers 2-1 Tuesday night at Harbor Park and spoil a near-perfect game by Columbus starter Adam Plutko.
Plutko (2-4) retired the first 22 batters he faced and took his perfect game into the eighth inning, striking out seven without issuing a walk.
The Clippers’ only run came in the 2nd inning on a leadoff home run by Jesus Aguilar, his 20th homer of the season.
The Tides finally broke through against Plutko in the eighth on an RBI double by Francisco Pena followed Mike Yastrzemski’s RBI single into right field.
The two clubs continue their three-game set on Wednesday night at Harbor Park, with first pitch slated for 7:05.