Taveras, Pigs Look To Avoid Sweep In Norfolk

The IronPigs (69-54) and Norfolk Tides (58-65) conclude their three-game series Thursday. First pitch from Harbor Park is scheduled for 12:05 p.m.   

The Pigs will send RHP José Taveras (1-1, 1.59) against the Tides who will send RHP Tyler Wilson (6-6, 4.30). Today's starting pitching matchup is presented by Allentown Family Foot Care, which provides the latest in medical and surgical treatments of the entire foot and ankle. Learn more at affc.com.
RHP Jose Taveras makes his 4th start this season for the Pigs. In his last outing against Charlotte, Taveras lost his first game of the season allowing three-runs over six innings. 
RHP Tyler Wilson makes his 18^th start for the Tides today. He has won each of his last three decisions, including eight scoreless innings against Rochester on August 11.
Chris Johnson  hit a walk-off two-run home run as the Norfolk Tides (57-65) defeated the IronPigs (69-53) 2-0 in 11 innings Wednesday night at Harbor Park.
With Chris Dickerson  aboard and two outs in the frame, Johnson hit the game-winner off Pigs reliever Pat Venditte  to give the Tides a 2-0 win.
The Pigs had multiple opportunities to break through with the games first run, none more so in the late innings.
In the top of the 11^th inning, Brock Stassi  led off the frame with a base hit up the middle and was followed byNick Rickles  reaching on a fielding error. However, Dylan Cozens  would strike out and Andrew Pullin grounded out to first base but did move over both runners with two outs.
Herlis Rodriguez  then flew out to center field, ending the Pigs threat in the top of the 11^th.
Rodriguez would double to lead off the 10^th and was bunted over by Angelo Mora . After Pedro Florimón struck out, Scott Kingery  walked to put runners on the corners for J.P. Crawford  with two outs.
Crawford unfortunately grounded out to first baseman Pedro Álvarez  to end the 10^th.
Scott Kingery would extend his hitting streak to 14 games in the top of the eighth inning with a two-out single to center field.
Pigs starter Tom Eshelman  pitched brilliantly, tossing seven scoreless innings before yielding to the Pig Pen. Eshelman surrendered just four hits while striking out three batters.
Yacksel Ríos  came on and pitched two scoreless innings while striking out a batter.
 The 2017 Season is the IronPigs 10^th Anniversary season at Coca-Cola Park and 10^th as the top affiliate of the Philadelphia Phillies. The IronPigs are debuting the brand-new Bacon, USA, Membership Program this season -- a year-round IronPigs experience pass featuring numerous new amenities such as savings on parking at games and at the Majestic Clubhouse Store at Coca-Cola Park, on-field VIP access to watch batting practice, access to an annual holiday party, an invitation to an exclusive player and coaches photo session and more. For more information, visit ironpigsbaseball.com or call (610) 841-PIGS (7447). Memberships and group outings are on sale now.
The 2017 IronPigs baseball season is presented by Capital BlueCross.