Concepcion's Slam Powers Tides
September 2, 2009 - International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
A fourth inning grand slam by Ambiorix Concepcion powered Norfolk to an 8-1 win over the Gwinnett Braves Wednesday night at Harbor Park.
After a two-out single by Brandon Snyder tied the game at 1-1 in the fourth, Gullermo Rodriguez worked a walk off of Jonny Venters (3-7) to load the bases for Concepcion, who launched a 1-0 offering into the right field bullpen to give the Tides a 5-1 lead. The homer was the Tides' fifth grand slam of the season and was the first Triple-A hit for Concepcion, who was promoted to Norfolk from Double-A Bowie on Tuesday.
Norfolk extended its lead to 8-1 an inning later, as Jonathan Tucker drove home Blake Davis with a triple and came around to score on a two-run homer by Rhyne Hughes. The homer marked the first time since July 19 that the Tides had connected for multiple home runs in a game.
Chris George (2-1) was the beneficiary of the Tides offensive outburst, although he didn't necessarily need it as he turned in his third straight quality outing en route to picking up his first victory in a Norfolk uniform. George allowed a run on six hits over seven innings, striking out six without walking a batter. The 29-year-old southpaw's ERA over his last three starts now sits at 0.95 (2-ER, 19.0IP) and he's struck out 14 without walking a batter over that stretch.
Victor Diaz helped pace Norfolk's 10-hit attack with two hits, upping his hitting streak to eight games. Over that stretch, Diaz has hit .392 (11-for-28).
The Tides and Braves will continue their three-game set on Thursday night, with first pitch from Harbor Park slated for 7:15. Chris Lambert (6-9, 3.85) will take the mound for Norfolk against veteran southpaw John Halama (4-6, 4.45).
Thursday is Fan Appreciation Night at Harbor Park, with thousands of fans winning prizes courtesy of the Tides. There will also be a postgame fireworks extravaganza.
International League Stories from September 2, 2009
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- Concepcion's Slam Powers Tides - Norfolk Tides
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