Stripers Shut Down by Rodriguez, Tides in 5-2 Loss

NORFOLK, Va. – Norfolk right-hander Grayson Rodriguez struck out 10 over 7.0 scoreless, two-hit innings to lead the Tides (22-24) to a 5-2 win over the Gwinnett Stripers (23-23) on Friday night at Harbor Park.

Decisive Plays: Jacob Nottingham staked Norfolk to a 2-0 lead in the second inning with a two-run home run off Kyle Muller (L, 2-3). Dylan Harris doubled and scored on a wild pitch for a 3-0 lead in the fifth, and Shed Long Jr.’s RBI double helped open a 5-0 lead in the seventh. The Stripers ended the shutout in the eighth as Ryan Goins laced an RBI double and scored on a single by Drew Waters.

Key Contributors: Muller struck out seven over 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on five hits. Preston Tucker had both of Gwinnett’s hits off Rodriguez (W, 5-1), going 2-for-4 with two singles. Goins (1-for-3, double, RBI) and Waters (1-for-4, RBI) drove in both Gwinnett runs.

Noteworthy: Rodriguez had been 0-1 with a 9.82 ERA in two starts against the Stripers prior to the outing. Phil Gosselin went 0-for-4, just his fourth game without reaching base this season. Muller has struck out at least seven batters in five of his eight starts with Gwinnett this year.

Next Game (Saturday, May 28): Gwinnett at Norfolk, 6:35 p.m. at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Va. Starting pitcher TBD for the Stripers vs. RHP Rico Garcia (0-0, 2.25 ERA) for the Tides. Radio Broadcast: 6:20 p.m. on MyCountry993.com.

*Next Home Game (Monday, May 30): *Gwinnett vs. Louisville, 7:05 p.m. at Coolray Field. Radio Broadcast: 6:50 p.m. on MyCountry993.com. The Stripers will wear Gwinnett Peaches Specialty Jerseys, celebrating the women who played professional baseball during the Second World War. Stick around after the game for a special Memorial Day fireworks display.