JACKSONVILLE - The Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp fell to the Norfolk Tides 5-1 on Saturday in front of 5,984 fans at 121 Financial Ballpark.
Norfolk (41-42) drew first blood in the top of the fifth inning. With two outs on the board, Brett Cumberland, Cadyn Grenier, and Terrin Vavra drew three consecutive walks against Jacksonville starter Max Meyer (3-4), loading the bases. A line drive to left field by Jordan Westburg off reliever Jordan Holloway plated Cumberland and Grenier to make it 2-0.
The Jumbo Shrimp (44-39) responded in the bottom of the fifth inning. Ryan Lavarnway was hit by a pitch by Norfolk starter Cody Sedlock (4-1) and then advanced to second on a fielder’s choice. A single by Bryson Brigman moved Lavarnway to third and a walk by Brian Miller loaded the bases. Peyton Burdick notched a fielder’s choice to bring in Lavarnway, setting the score 2-1.
The Tides increased their deficit in the top of the sixth inning. After two consecutive walks of Kyle Stowers and Yusniel Diaz, Robert Nuestrom blasted a three-run homer out to left field, pushing the tally to 5-1.
Huascar Brazoban tossed three scoreless innings out of the Jumbo Shrimp bullpen, striking out five. Jacksonville hosts Norfolk at 6:35 p.m. on Sunday to wrap up their six-game series.