Knights Drop Opener in Norfolk 8-2

(NORFOLK, VA) - The Charlotte Knights began their 10-game road trip with an 8-2 loss to the Norfolk Tides in the opening game of their four-game series on Thursday night at Harbor Park.

The Knights got the scoring started early as Daniel Palka drew a walk with one out. Zack Collins followed with a two-run home run to left to give the Knights a 2-0 lead in their first turn at the plate. The home run ties Collins with teammate Matt Skole for the team lead with seven.
But the lead wouldn't last long as Norfolk scored a pair of runs off Jordan Guerrero (L, 1-3) in the bottom of the frame to tie the game. A home run from Chance Sisco off Guerrero gave Norfolk a 3-2 lead in the third.
The Tides then added two more runs off Guerrero in the fifth and two more off reliever Connor Walsh later in the inning to cap the night's scoring with the home team leading 8-2.
Over 4.1 innings, Guerrero gave up six earned runs on 11 hits with three walks and four strikeouts as he was saddled with his third loss of the season. Walsh gave up two runs over 1.2 innings on the mound before Matt Foster and Ian Hamilton threw scoreless innings.
For Norfolk, starter Luis Ysla earned the win by giving up two runs on three hits in 5.0 innings.
Offensively, five different Knights recorded a hit while D.J. Peterson stole his first base of the season in the loss.

The Knights and Tides continue their series on Friday night at Harbor Park. Pre-game radio coverage of the 7:05 p.m. game is set for 6:50 p.m. on 730 The Game ESPN Charlotte. The "Voice of the Charlotte Knights" Matt Swierad will have the call for all of the action.