NORFOLK, VIRGINIA -- Despite a dominate performance from starting right-handed pitcher Mike Foltynewicz, the Gwinnett Braves lost their sixth game in a row, a tough 1-0 loss Monday to the Norfolk Tides in the opener of the four-game series at Harbor Park.
The lone run of the game came in the bottom of the second inning, as Foltynewicz walked Christian Walker to lead off the half-inning. Norfolk’s Steve Clevenger singled to left to put two runners on with no outs. Foltynewicz then retired the next two batters, but Michael Almanzar blooped a single to right, scoring Walker from second for the one-run advantage that would hold up the rest of the way.
Foltynewicz (L, 0-2) worked a complete-game eight innings with three hits allowed, one earned run, one walk and a season-high nine strikeouts. He has now worked 16 2/3 innings combined in three games but has yet to receive a single run of support.
For Norfolk (8-4) right-handed starter Mike Wright (W, 2-0) was stellar, as well. He went 6.0 innings with five hits allowed and three strikeouts. Right-handed reliever Steve Johnson (H, 1) worked 1.2 innings, giving up three hits and a walk with three strikeouts. Lefty Cesar Cabral (S, 1) finished the game for the Tides with one hit given up and a strikeout in 1.1 innings.
The G-Braves (3-8) out-hit the Tides 9-3 but squandered many scoring opportunities. They were 0-for-6 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base. Todd Cunningham led the charge with a 3-for-4 night; Jose Peraza was 2-for-4. Cedric Hunter had the team's only extra-base hit of the night when he led off the second inning with a double, but Wright picked him off of second two batters later.
For Norfolk, Almanzar, Clevenger and Chris Parmelee were each 1-for-3 with Almanzar collecting the lone RBI in the game.
The road trip continues for Gwinnett on Tuesday night with game two of the series at Harbor Park. Left-hander Manny Banuelos (0-0, 2.08 ERA) will make his third start of the season for the G-Braves. Norfolk will start lefty T.J. McFarland (0-1, 5.87 ERA). First pitch is set for 6:35 p.m. Tony Schiavone has the play-by-play call on 97.7 FM and WSBRadio.com beginning at 6 p.m.
Gwinnett’s next home game is April 27 at 6:35 p.m. against the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders. To purchase tickets, call the Coolray Field Ticket Office at 678-277-0340 or visit GwinnettBraves.com/tickets.
