Pen Stands Tall but Bats Stifled in 5-2 Loss
Published on August 4, 2015 under International League (IL1)
Norfolk Tides News Release
Norfolk got a strong effort from five relievers but was held to just three hits in a 5-2 setback to the Louisville Bats Tuesday night at Harbor Park.
Due to several recent roster moves, the Tides were forced to use their bullpen throughout the contest, with Kenn Kasparek (0-1) making the spot start in his Norfolk debut. Kasparek, who hadn't started a game since June 26, 2013, yielded three runs on three hits over 2.1 innings of work, walking two while striking out a pair in his first appearance since being promoted from Double-A Bowie on Monday. He was touched up by Brennan Boesch for a solo home run to lead off the second inning, and one inning later Boesch added a two-run single to extend Louisville's advantage to 3-0.
The Tides pulled within a run in the sixth inning, as Christian Walker doubled home Junior Lake before eventually scoring on a groundout by Steve Clevenger. The two hits allowed in the sixth frame were the only ones surrendered by Bats reliever Josh Smith (2-3), who worked 6.2 innings in relief to pick up the win and help lift the Bats (56-56) to the .500 mark.
Andy Oliver and Dana Eveland followed Kasparek's effort with 4.2 shutout innings of relief before giving way to Cesar Cabral and Pedro Beato, who each yielded a run apiece in an inning of work.
Despite the loss, Norfolk maintained its 6.0-game lead in the IL South Division, as Charlotte dropped a 7-3 decision to Buffalo.
The two clubs continue their four-game series Wednesday night at Harbor Park, with first pitch set for 7:05. Chris Jones (6-5, 3.00) gets the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by Bats right-hander Donn Roach (1-1, 6.00).
Wednesday is Hokie Night at Harbor Park, courtesy of HyVal Industries. Former Virginia Tech great and Green Bay Packer legend Antonio Freeman is scheduled to appear on the concourse, throw out the first pitch and sign autographs for fans.
Notes: Earlier Tuesday, Baltimore recalled LHP T.J. McFarland from Norfolk and optioned RHP Tyler Wilson back to the Tides...Sean Halton went 0-for-3 with a walk in the contest, snapping his 11-game hitting streak...Halton batted leadoff in the game, his first start from the leadoff position in his 784-game pro career...Paul Janish committed an error in the third inning, just his second error in 335 total chances at shortstop this season...Kenn Kasparek was the 14th different starting pitcher the Tides have used in 2015.
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