Norfolk Swept in Doubleheader by Gwinnett
September 3, 2015 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Christian Walker extended his hitting streak to 12 games with RBI singles in both ends of a doubleheader Wednesday, but Norfolk was swept in the twinbill by the Gwinnett Braves.
In the opener, Walker had two hits and an RBI but the Braves used a four-run second inning to cruise to a 6-2 win.
Norfolk jumped out to a quick lead in the contest, as Walker plated David Lough with an RBI single in the first frame to give the Tides a 1-0 advantage. Gwinnett answered right back in the second, however, as the Braves used a two-run double by Barret Kleinknecht and a two-run single by Mallex Smith off of Elih Villanueva (4-4) to take a 4-1 lead.
The Braves extended their lead to 5-1 in the third inning on a solo home run by Joey Terdoslavich, and the game was then delayed in the bottom of the third frame for one hour and forty-four minutes due to a heavy rainstorm.
David Carpenter (3-0) came in to relieve after the rain delay and earned the win, allowing one run on three hits over 2.1 innings. Carlos Fisher followed with two shutout innings to register his sixth save of the season.
In the nightcap, the G-Braves pounded out nine hits and knocked off Norfolk, 7-2.
Walker wasted little time in extending his hitting streak in game two, as he singled home Rey Navarro in the first frame for his 42nd RBI since the All-Star break - most in the International League. The 24-year-old South Carolina product has now hit .333 (15-45) with two home runs and 11 RBI over his 12-game stretch, which is the second-longest by a Tides player this season.
Eddie Gamboa (8-11) took the loss after allowing five runs on seven hits in three-plus innings of work. Gamboa walked one and struck out three, throwing 42 of his 70 pitches for strikes.
With the doubleheader sweep, Norfolk saw its lead in the IL South division trimmed to 2.0 games over the second place Braves. With five games remaining in the regular season, Norfolk's magic number to clinch the division remains at four.
The two clubs continue their series Thursday night, with first pitch slated for 7:05. Mike Belfiore (5-12, 5.36) gets the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by right-hander Ryan Weber (5-3, 2.11). Thursday is Fan Appreciation Night at Harbor Park, as fans can win hundreds of prizes throughout the night. There will also be a postgame fireworks show, presented by Liberty Tax.
Notes: The doubleheader was the result of a rainout at Harbor Park on June 4...Audry Perez went 0-for-2 with a walk in game one, snapping his hitting streak at 11 games...Richard Rodriguez threw 3.0 shutout innings of relief in game one...Rey Navarro had two hits, a walk and a run scored in the nightcap...Norfolk has dropped 10 of its last 12 home games...The doubleheader was Norfolk's fifth of the season - all of which have been at Harbor Park.
• Discuss this story on the International League message board...
International League Stories from September 3, 2015
- RailRiders Clinch IL North Title - Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders
- Offense Clicks Behind Boscan as Indians Retake First - Indianapolis Indians
- G-Braves Topple Tides, 6-2 - Gwinnett Stripers
- Pigs Fall in 9th to Chiefs, 2-1 - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- RailRiders Clinch North with Win over Herd - Buffalo Bisons
- Walker Hits Two out, but Tides Fall 6-2 - Norfolk Tides
- Ballou, Chiefs Rally Late, Edge IronPigs - Syracuse Mets
- PawSox Win Third Straight; Top Red Wings 5-4 - Pawtucket Red Sox
- Knights Charge Past Bulls 11-7 Thursday - Charlotte Knights
- LHV Game Notes - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Pigs Begin Final Homestand of Season - Lehigh Valley IronPigs
- Buffalo Notes - Buffalo at Scranton/Wilkes-Barre (7:05 p.m.) - Buffalo Bisons
- Gwinnett Braves Homestand Highlights: September 5-7 - Gwinnett Stripers
- Bulls Announce 2015 Goodmon Award Winners - Durham Bulls
- Durham Bulls Game Notes - Durham Bulls
- Bats Host Final Homestand Labor Day Weekend - Louisville Bats
- G-Braves Sweep Twinbill in Norfolk - Gwinnett Stripers
- Norfolk Swept in Doubleheader by Gwinnett - Norfolk Tides
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
