Tides blanked in season opener

Four Gwinnett hurlers combined hold Norfolk to six hits as the Braves blanked the Tides 2-0 Thursday night at Harbor Park.

Jhoulys Chacin (1-0), Chris Withrow, Brandon Cunniff and David Peterson combined on the shutout victory, as Norfolk dropped its season opener for the ninth consecutive season.

Norfolk starter Odrisamer Despaigne (0-1) turned in a strong effort in his Tides debut, allowing a single run on four hits over five innings of work. The 29-year-old right-hander struck out five without walking a batter, throwing 47 of his 70 pitches for strikes. The only run he surrendered came in the first frame, when Mallex Smith led off the game with an opposite-field triple before scoring on a groundout by Daniel Castro.

Despaigne was bested by Chacin, who limited the Tides to five singles over 7.2 scoreless innings. Chacin, making his organizational debut after being signed by the Braves in January, struck out seven while walking two.

Trailing 2-0, the Tides mounted a late rally against the Braves bullpen in the ninth inning, as Norfolk loaded the bases with two outs on a single and two walks. Norfolk's rally was thwarted, however, as Paul Janish hit into a game-ending fielder's choice.

Christian Walker and Dariel Alvarez each had two singles apiece to lead Norfolk, while Henry Urrutia singled and drew a walk.

The Tides and Braves continue their opening series Friday night at Harbor Park, with first pitch slated for 7:05. Left-hander Nick Additon will make his season debut for Norfolk and will be opposed by right-hander Mike Foltynewicz.

Friday is Old Dominion Night at Harbor Park, as former Monarch quarterback and current Minnesota Viking Taylor Heinicke will be on hand to greet fans and sign autographs on the concourse, courtesy of Hyval Industries.

Notes: Norfolk's pitching staff combined for 12 strikeouts…Chaz Roe escaped a bases loaded, no out threat in the eighth inning without allowing a run…The announced attendance was 6,477…The Tides introduced a new mascot, Triton, during the game… The Tides have not won a season-opener since 2007, when Norfolk topped Scranton/WB, 7-5.