The Norfolk Tides defeated the Worcester Red Sox 4-3 Tuesday night, July 29, 2026, at Harbor Park in Norfolk, Virginia, as Chris Bassitt began his MLB rehab assignment. This win gave Norfolk the first game of the series and marked the teams’ first meeting since the 2024 season.
Bassitt threw 46 pitches, including 28 strikes. Franklin Arias hit a home run on Bassitt’s first pitch, marking the first career Triple-A home run for Arias, but Bassitt settled in and limited Worcester to that one hit. He pitched 3.1 innings, allowing one hit and one walk while striking out three.
Creed Willems Leads Norfolk Offense
Creed Willems led the Norfolk offense by going 2-for-3 with a walk, a home run and two RBIs. Willems hit an RBI single in the fourth inning to tie the game before launching his 14th home run of the season in the eighth inning.
Yosver Zulueta pitched through the fourth inning, after which Juaron Watts-Brown entered as a relief pitcher. Watts-Brown made his Triple-A debut and earned the win after pitching the first four innings without allowing a run, although he allowed two runs in the ninth inning. Jose Espada recorded the final out and earned the save as the Norfolk Tides held on for the 4-3 victory.
Maryland Sports Blog Take
The Norfolk Tides received strong contributions from Chris Bassitt and Creed Willems in the series-opening win. Bassitt completed his rehab outing with three strikeouts, while Willems supplied the key offense with his RBI single and 14th home run of the season. Juaron Watts-Brown also earned the win in his Triple-A debut, and Jose Espada closed out the victory.
Source: Original report
