IL Norfolk Tides

Walk-Off Homer Spoils Tides Solid Pitching in Loss

Published on August 21, 2021 under International League (IL)
Norfolk Tides News Release


The Norfolk Tides lost a heartbreaker at Charlotte Saturday, losing, 7-5, on a walk-off home run. It was the third time this series the Tides lost on a walk off and the second time it was a home run.

Norfolk got on the board first in the first inning. Ryan McKenna walked and stole second to lead off and Adley Rutschman got him to third on a single. McKenna scored on a sacrifice fly by Jahmai Jones to score the first run. Tyler Nevin doubled to put runners on second and third base, in which Rutschman scored on a wild pitch. Tides led, 2-0, early.

No one else scored on the either team's starting pitcher. Alex Wells was great, throwing five scoreless innings and retired 15-of-16 batters he faced. He struck out three while walking none and allowed one hit. He threw 58 pitches, 43 for strikes.

McKenna added a run for Norfolk in the top of the sixth inning. He hit a solo home run, his third in the last two games and the fourth this road trip. The Tides were up, 3-0, in the sixth.

Hunter Harvey replaced Wells and threw a scoreless sixth inning. Harvey gave up a single to Yasmani Grandal before being relieved by Adam Plutko, who made his first appearance with the Tides. The first batter he faced was Yermin Mercedes, who blasted a two-run homer. With two outs, Plutko allowed a double to Blake Rutherford and then a two-run homer to Romy Gonzalez to give Charlotte the, 4-3, lead.

The Tides regained the lead in the top of the eighth. Mason McCoy led off with a walk, stole second, reached third base on an error, then scored on a wild pitch. McKenna reached third later in the inning and also scored on a wild pitch, giving Norfolk the 5-4 lead.

Entering the bottom of the ninth, Felix Bautista came in to close the game. Unfortunately his day didn't go as planned, giving up two base runners and then a walk-off homer to Gonzalez to give Charlotte the, 7-5, win.

Tomorrow, the Tides and Knights will play their series finale. RHP Kyle Bradish (3-3, 4.34) will start for Norfolk and will face RHP Alex McRae (2-5, 5.11). First pitch at 5:05 p.m.

Check out the Norfolk Tides Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



International League Stories from August 21, 2021


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.

OurSports Central