Norfolk/ Syracuse Game 1 Recap
The Norfolk Tides lost the first game of a four-game road series against the Syracuse Chiefs, the Triple-A affiliate of the Washington Nationals Thursday night 5-3. Norfolk has now lost three games in a row and six out of their last seven.
Norfolk had Wednesday off as they finished up that unbelievable stretch of 23 games in 22 days. On Thursday, they started the first of eight games against the Chiefs.
Norfolk started the game with a highlight in the top of the first. Outfielder Francisco Peguero blasted his first homerun of the year to right field. However, Syracuse set the tone of the game in the bottom half of the inning.
The Chiefs tagged Norfolk starter Mike Wright for four runs in the first, which ultimately would be too much for the Tides to overcome. Wright only lasted 1.1 innings, exiting the game after throwing just 50 pitches.
After Brock Huntzinger came in for relief for Wright, both he and Syracuse starter Ryan Tatusko responded by having 1-2-3 second innings. After a similar third inning, the offenses came to life again in the fourth.
Steve Clevenger started the top half of the inning with a single for the Tides. Xaiver Paul followed Clevenger’s single with a grounder to the shortstop, who then threw to second to get Clevenger for the force out. Chris Marrero then doubled to left field allowing Paul to reach third.
Paul scored on a single from Alexi Casilla and Marrero would score on a Steve Lombardozzi ground out. The Tides picked up two runs in the inning making the score 4-3.
The Chiefs picked up a run in the bottom half of the inning off pitcher Brock Huntzinger. That insurance run would be enough as Syracuse shutout the Tides for the rest of the game.
Mike Wright picked up the loss in the game and his record on the year is now 1-5 with a 6.75 ERA while Ryan Tatusko recorded the win. Wright has now lost his last three decisions for Norfolk. Wright has also allowed one run in each of his last 10 starts.
Wright’s season for Norfolk has been a total opposite from his 2013 season with Double-A Bowie. Wright went 11-3 with a 3.11 ERA in 26 starts last season before being promoted to Norfolk. However, he is only 24-years-old and has plenty of time to improve this year and years to come.
Norfolk will try to get out of their short three-game losing streak tonight as they send knuckle-baller Eddie Gamboa to the mound. Gamboa (4-5 4.06) is looking to rebound from a loss his last time out where he only allowed two runs on three hits in seven innings pitched. The Tides will face Cumberland native Aaron Laffey (7-3 3.60) who is coming off two straight wins. First pitch is scheduled for 7:00.
