Stripers' Comeback Stalls in Windy Finale at Norfolk

April 9, 2023 - International League (IL)
Gwinnett Stripers News Release

NORFOLK, Va. - The Gwinnett Stripers (2-6) cut a 4-1 deficit to 4-3 with a two-run eighth inning, but the comeback ended there in a 4-3 loss to the Norfolk Tides (7-1) on a windy Easter Sunday at Harbor Park. Gwinnett went 1-4 on the opening road trip of the season.

Decisive Plays: Down 2-0 after four, the Stripers cut the deficit in half on Braden Shewmake's two-out RBI single in the fifth. Norfolk raised the lead to 4-1 with runs in the fifth and sixth, but Gwinnett climbed back to within a run in the eighth. An infield single by Magneuris Sierra, double by Joe Hudson, RBI single by Joe Dunand, and sacrifice fly by Justin Dean trimmed the Tides' advantage to 4-3. The Stripers stranded the tying runs in both the eighth and ninth, however, as Nick Vespi (H, 3) and Joey Krehbiel (SV, 2) closed it out.

Key Contributors: Sierra (3-for-4, run, 2 stolen bases) and Shewmake (2-for-5, RBI) each had multi-hit games for the Stripers. Gwinnett starter Allan Winans (L, 0-1) yielded four runs on four hits over 5.2 innings. All four of Norfolk's hits went for extra bases, including solo home runs by Jordan Westburg (2) and Greg Cullen (1) and an RBI double by Hudson Haskin. Kyle Dowdy (W, 2-0) worked 1.2 scoreless innings for the win in relief.

Noteworthy: Vaughn Grissom beat out an infield single in the seventh, finishing 1-for-5 to extend his hitting streak to eight games. Grissom has not struck out in 39 plate appearances to start his Triple-A career. The Stripers are now 0-3 in day games this season, and 0-3 in games decided by one run.

Next Game (Tuesday, April 11): Gwinnett vs. Memphis, 11:05 a.m. at Coolray Field. Radio Broadcast: 10:50 a.m. on MyCountry993.com. The Stripers will welcome area students for Education Day at Coolray Field.

International League Stories from April 9, 2023

• Chasers Drop Series Finale to Toledo 8-2 - Omaha Storm Chasers
• Hens Ride Big Innings to Series Victory - Toledo Mud Hens
• Jumbo Shrimp Close Series with 8-3 Win - Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp
• Saints Drop Series Finale to I-Cubs, 11-2 - St. Paul Saints
• Iowa Wins Finale and Series Over Saints - Iowa Cubs
• Jumbo Shrimp Best Bulls 8-3 - Durham Bulls
• Redbirds Take Series Finale from Sounds on Easter Sunday - Memphis Redbirds
• Buffalo Takes Two in Sunday Doubleheader - Worcester Red Sox
• Bisons Sweep Doubleheader with Identical 2-1 Wins Against Worcester - Buffalo Bisons
• Priester Cruises as Indians Win Fifth Straight in Louisville, 8-1 - Indianapolis Indians
• Bats Suffer 8-1 Series Finale Loss to Indians - Louisville Bats
• Westburg, Cullen Go Deep as Tides Win Fourth Straight - Norfolk Tides
• Sounds Settle for Series Split with Sunday Loss in Memphis - Nashville Sounds
• Syracuse Dominates Rochester On Sunday, 9-1, Mets Win Five Out Of Six Games In Series - Syracuse Mets
• Knights Win Sunday's Finale 3-1 - Charlotte Knights
• Wings Drop Fourth Straight in Syracuse, Fall 9-1 - Rochester Red Wings
• Norby, Cullen Go Deep As Tides Win Fourth Straight - Norfolk Tides
• Reds' Rehabber Luke Weaver Makes First Appearance With Bats - Louisville Bats
• Stripers' Comeback Stalls in Windy Finale at Norfolk - Gwinnett Stripers
• Syracuse Mets Roster Move - April 9, 2023 - Syracuse Mets
• Iowa Cubs Transactions 4.9 - Iowa Cubs
• April 9 Game Notes: Iowa Cubs at St. Paul Saints - Iowa Cubs
• St. Paul Saints Game Info 4-9 vs. Iowa Cubs - St. Paul Saints
• Alex Colomé Added to Charlotte's Roster Sunday - Charlotte Knights
• Game Information: Indianapolis Indians (4-4) at Louisville Bats (2-6) - Indianapolis Indians
• Rochester Red Wings Game Notes - April 9 at Syracuse - Rochester Red Wings

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.

Other Recent Gwinnett Stripers Stories

• Stripers Lose Second Half Opener 3-1 in Norfolk
• Wiles Pitches Stripers to 5-4 Win in First Half Finale at Charlotte
• Stripers Can't Find Big Hit in 4-1 Loss at Charlotte
• Stephens' Dominant Spot Start, Profar's Two Homers Lead Stripers' 7-3 Win
• Stripers Spoil Schultz's Debut in 8-1 Rout of Knights