Gwinnett lefty stymies Tides to end win streak

LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga.

Gwinnett left-hander Scott Diamond took a no-hitter into the eighth inning before settling for a two-hit shutout Monday night as the Braves beat the Norfolk Tides 4-0 at Coolray Field.

Diamond (4-0), who remained unbeaten in eight starts since being recalled from Double-A Mississippi, allowed just four baserunners and at one time, retired 20 Tides in a row.

Norfolk's Jeff Salazar reached on an error to lead off the game. He was erased in a double play, which started a stretch of 6 2/3 perfect innings by Diamond that ended when Nolan Reimold's led off the eighth with a double.

The Tides added Robert Andino's one-out double in the ninth off Diamond, who struck out eight and walked one.

Barbaro Canizares' two-run home run in the bottom of the second gave the Graves the only runs they would need. Tides lefty Zach Britton (3-4) took the loss, allowing six hits and four runs - only one earned - in five innings.

The Tides, who dropped 2 of 3 at Gwinnett, return to Harbor Park tonight for their final four home games of the season. They conclude their home-and-home series against Gwinnett with two more games against the Braves.

Norfolk will then host Charlotte on Thursday and Friday before closing the season with three games at Durham.