Walker's homers not enough, Tides sunk by Braves
Christian Walker continued his torrid stretch by homering twice, but Norfolk dropped a 6-2 decision to the Gwinnett Braves Thursday night at Harbor Park.
Walker, who has now hit safely in 13 consecutive games, hit solo home runs in the first and third innings to stake Norfolk to an early 2-0 lead. The 25-year-old South Carolina product now has a team-high 18 home runs this season, including a league-high 13 homers and 44 RBI since the All-Star break. Over his current 13-game hitting streak, Walker has hit .347 (17-49) with four home runs and 13 RBI.
The Tides were forced to use their bullpen for the majority of the contest, as starter Mike Belfiore had to leave the contest after one inning for precautionary measures after feeling discomfort in his left elbow. Relievers Andy Oliver, Patrick McCoy (2-3) and Pedro Beato combined to work the final eight innings of the contest, allowing six runs (four earned) on seven hits.
Ryan Weber (6-3) earned the win for the Braves after allowing two runs on three hits over five innings of work. Vin Mazzaro and Dan Peterson combined to work the final four innings for the Braves, who have now won three straight over the Tides at Harbor Park.
With the loss, Norfolk's lead in the IL South division was reduced to one game over Gwinnett. The two clubs square off again Friday night at Harbor Park, with Norfolk then traveling to Durham to wrap up its schedule with three games against the Bulls. Gwinnett closes out its regular season with three games at home against the Charlotte Knights.
The Tides wrap up their regular season home schedule Friday night, with first pitch set for 7:05. Terry Doyle (3-1, 2.85) is slated to get the start for Norfolk and will be opposed by right-hander Tyrell Jenkins (3-4, 3.71). There will also be a postgame fireworks celebration, presented by Centura College.
Notes: Prior to Thursday's game, RHP Jorge Rondon was placed on Baltimore's Taxi Squad, RHP Tyler Wilson was reinstated from the disabled list and LHP Patrick McCoy was transferred to Norfolk from Double-A Bowie… Pedro Beato's appearance was his 61st of the season, most in the International League and third-most in franchise history…Nolan Reimold walked twice and has now drawn nine free passes in seven games since rejoining Norfolk on August 28…Audry Perez walked in the fourth inning and has now reached base safely in 16 consecutive games.