Hernandez’s 11-Strikeout Gem Spoiled in Stripers’ 6-5 Walk-Off Loss at Norfolk

Press Release

NORFOLK, Virginia – Atlanta Braves’ No. 8 prospect Herick Hernandez set a new career high with 11 strikeouts over 6.1 innings on Wednesday night, but the Gwinnett Stripers (20-21, 58-57) suffered a 6-5 walk-off loss in 10 innings to the Norfolk Tides (13-26, 41-73) at Harbor Park. Norfolk leads the series 2-0.

Decisive Plays:  An RBI single by Rowdy Tellez gave the Stripers a 1-0 lead in the top of the first inning. That lasted until the bottom of the fourth, when a pair of wild pitches by Hernandez plated two runs for the Tides. Down 2-1, Gwinnett responded with a three-run top of the fifth highlighted by a go-ahead sacrifice fly by Patrick Clohisy and RBI triple by Brewer Hicklen. That 4-2 lead lasted into the seventh, when a solo homer by Luis Vazquez (5) off Ray Kerr and a sacrifice fly by Jud Fabian tied it at 4-4. The Stripers took a 5-4 lead in the 10^th on a sacrifice fly by Hicklen, but a two-run double by Rece Hinds off Ian Hamilton (L, 2-2) walked it off for the Tides.

Key Contributors: Hernandez (6.1 IP, 2 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 4 BB, 11 SO) turned in his first career Triple-A quality start in a no-decision. Hicklen (2-for-3, 2 triples, 2 RBIs) had Gwinnett’s only multi-hit game. Hinds (1-for-4, double, 2 RBIs) and Vazquez (1-for-4, homer, RBI) combined to drive in three of Norfolk’s six runs.

Noteworthy:  Hernandez’s 11 strikeouts were the most by a Striper since JR Ritchie also fanned 11 on August 27, 2025 vs. Norfolk. His previous career high had been 10, reached on May 21, 2025 with High-A Rome at Winston-Salem. Hicklen is the sixth player to triple twice in a game in Gwinnett history, first since Ryan LaMarre on June 21, 2019 vs. Syracuse. Gwinnett is now 6-6 in extra-inning games this season.

Next Game (Thursday, August 13):  Gwinnett Stripers at Norfolk Tides, 12:05 p.m. ET at Harbor Park. Radio Broadcast: 11:50 a.m. on MyCountry993.com. Live Video Stream: Bally Sports Live.