Norfolk Tides fall to Gwinnett 5-3 in four-game sweep

As Norfolk Tides fans scurried for cover from a brief rain shower in the top of the sixth inning, a one-man Tomahawk Chop chant rang out loudly around Harbor Park, emanating from directly behind the Gwinnett dugout. The crowing followed Stefan Gartrell's solo home run, a blow that accounted for the final run in the Braves' four-game sweep of the Tides.

Mound woes mount

Norfolk, failed by its starting pitching for the fourth consecutive game, fell behind for good after Braves catcher J.C. Boscan doubled and scored on a sacrifice fly in the fourth inning to make it 4-3.

The Tides (3-12) never led during the four-game series, with their starting pitchers surrendering 24 runs in 19 innings.

Starter Michael Ballard, a former Ocean Lakes High standout, emerged with the best ERA of the five current starters (4.85), but took the loss, surrendering four runs in four innings on seven hits and four walks.

"I was a little inconsistent," Ballard said. "Mostly fastball command. I was up in the zone a lot. It was a battle from the start."

Difficult start

Manager Gary Allenson preaches patience and calm over a long season, and the Tides' locker room reflected that after another loss, but there were moments of frustration on the field.

When Brendan Harris struck out in the ninth inning, 1 of 12 whiffs for the Tides, he slammed his bat. In the second inning, shortstop Blake Davis was ejected for arguing balls and strikes. Allenson was ejected the previous day for arguing that Josh Bell had earned a walk.

"When you're not going good, the umpires get you on every pitch it feels like," Allenson said. "You don't notice that stuff when you're rolling. He caught a borderline pitch on strike one, you're not out yet. But he let it affect the rest of his at-bat."

Some help is near

Probably the best of Norfolk's potential starting pitchers, left-hander Troy Patton, proclaimed himself ready to come off the disabled list.

Patton said he's fully recovered from a slightly strained shoulder. He pitched a simulated game Wednesday and is eligible to come off the disabled list today.

"I'm good to go," Patton said. "I feel good. I'm ready whenever they tell me."

On deck

Norfolk welcomes Durham today, an affiliate of the Rays, owners of the second-best minor-league system.

Desmond Jennings should stand out. Jennings, a 24-year-old, is the No. 2 ranked center field prospect in baseball according to Baseball America. Jennings is hitting .286, with an on-base percentage of .435, two home runs and four stolen bases. Durham also has the No. 16 catcher, Robinson Chirinos.

The series also will include the Tides' first fireworks show tonight. Active or retired military members can purchase box seats for $5.