Gwinnett shut out in Norfolk

NORFOLK, Va. -- The Norfolk Tides shut out the Gwinnett Braves 5-0 on Friday. The G-Braves fall to 44-38 on the season while the Tides improve to 44-35. Following the loss, the Braves slip back to 1.5 games behind Norfolk for second place in the Southern Division.

Tides pitcher Chris Tillman was dominate in 7.2 innings of work, limiting the G-Braves to only four hits and striking out seven. Kam Mickolio relieved Tillman and held the Braves hitless in 1.1 innings of work. Jolbert Cabrera (1-for-4) led Norfolk with three RBI.

In the eighth inning the Braves showed signs of another comeback when Chris Burke lined to left field and then reached second base on a free pass to Brandon Jones. A wild pitch advanced both runners, but Barbaro Canizares struck out to end the inning – leaving the Braves scoreless. Reid Gorecki hit his 14th double of the season in the fourth inning and continues to swing a hot bat despite the team’s offensive woes Friday night.

Pitching 6.0 innings, Tony Armas was tabbed with the loss for Gwinnett. Armas allowed seven hits and three earned runs while striking out one.

Gwinnett returns home Saturday at 6:05 p.m. to face Norfolk in front of a sold out crowd. Gates will open at 4:00 p.m. G-Braves RHP Bobby Brownlie (0-1, 12.46) makes his second start in a Gwinnett uniform against LHP Troy Patton (1-2, 5.19). The evening features a post-game Fireworks Extravaganza and the game will be televised on Comcast Sports Southeast.