Gunkel, Yaz lift Tides to series split

Joe Gunkel worked seven strong innings and Mike Yastrzemski drove in three to help power Norfolk to a 6-0 win at Syracuse Sunday afternoon. 

Gunkel (1-2) earned his first Triple-A victory by yielding just three hits and two walks in his outing. He struck out three and allowed three singles as he combined with Chaz Roe on Norfolk's third shutout victory of the season. 

Yastrzemski doubled twice, walked and drove in three as he helped Norfolk to a four-game series split. Garabez Rosa had two hits and two RBI, while Christian Walker added three hits and two runs scored. 

Yastrzemski, who was promoted to Norfolk from Double-A Bowie earlier this week, has hit .370 (10-27) with one home run and six RBI over his first seven games at the Triple-A level. 

The Tides return home Monday night to open a six-game homestand, with first pitch vs. Gwinnett set for 6:35 pm. David Hale (0-1, 3.71) gets the start for Norfolk, while right-hander Tyrell Jenkins (4-2, 3.02) gets the start for the Braves.