Walking the leadoff hitter has never been considered a winning strategy. Norfolk starter Kevin Smith walked the first batter in each of the first two innings. He never made it to the third.
Smith only allowed one of Durham’s eight runs, but his lack of control chased him from the game early. He allowed one hit, struck out two, but apparently never had it today. Smith pitched lights out in six appearances with Bowie, but has struggled all year at Norfolk. A rotation spot early next year appears out of the question, but Smith will have another opportunity to master Triple-A in 2022.