Braves rally past Norfolk in series opener

The Gwinnett Braves plated eight unanswered runs to knock off the Tides 8-4 Monday night in the opener of a four-game series. 

The Tides plated single runs in the first and second inning before plating two in the fourth to jump out to a 4-0 lead. Danny Valencia had two RBI hits, while L.J. Hoes added an RBI single.

Gwinnett struck back with three runs of their own in the third, then took the lead in the fifth thanks to a four-run frame against Norfolk starter Jake Pettit (3-2) and reliever Chris Jones. All four runs came with two outs in the inning. 

Pettit yielded seven runs on seven hits in 4.2 innings of work to take the loss. He struck out three and walked three, throwing 52 of his 86 pitches for strikes. 

Alex Liddi had two hits in four at-bats in his first game for Norfolk, while Henry Urrutia tripled and scored a run to help pace the offense. 

The two clubs will continue their four-game series Tuesday night, with first pitch from Coolray Field slated for 6:05. Jair Jurrjens (5-6, 4.38) will take the mound against rehabbing right-hander Brandon Beachy.