Mets’ prospect Yusmeiro Petit showed why the organization is so high on him as he struck out 14 Mud Hens and lead the Tides past Toledo 7-3 in Game Two of the International League Playoffs.

The righthander got off to a slow start, as he allowed a two-run home run to Marcus Thames three batters into the game. It was Thames second home run in as many games in the series.

Norfolk would answer back in the bottom of the first off of Toledo starter Joel Zumaya, as Brian Daubach and Rodney Nye both drove home runs with two out singles.

The Tides widened their lead in the second inning, as Joe Hietpas reached on a walk and Anderson Hernandez singled to start the inning. Prentice Redman then connected for a line drive home run off the foul pole in left field, putting the Tides on top 6-2.

Zumaya, who finished second in minor league baseball with 199 strikeouts this season, lasted only 2.0 innings in the loss. He allowed six runs on four hits while walking five and striking out five.

Petit allowed a single run in the third inning, but settled down in the fourth. He allowed a leadoff double to begin the fourth inning, but retired 15 of the next 16 batters, including eight by strikeout, to give the Tides a 7-3 lead entering the 9th inning.

Dae-Sung Koo relieved Petit and allowed two runners to reach, but Manny Aybar relieved Koo and retired the final two batters to help the Tides tie the best-of-five series at one game apiece.

Petit, who was born 13 days prior to Zumaya in 1984, picked up his first Triple-A win in the game and matched his personal best with 14 strikeouts. He walked just one batter in the contest.

The Tides and Mud Hens continue their series with a Friday night game at Fifth Third Field in Toledo. Righthander Jason Scobie (15-7, 3.34) takes the hill for the Tides against Toledo right-hander Kenny Baugh (12-8, 3.38). Game time is set for 7:00 p.m.

NorfolkTides.com contributed to this report.

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