Norfolk Tides Weekly Recap: Tides Show Fight, Split Results in Busy Stretch Since Last Friday
Norfolk Tides Weekly Recap: Tides Show Fight, Split Results in Busy Stretch Since Last Friday
The Triple-A Norfolk Tides experienced a rollercoaster week since last Friday, showing flashes of the offensive firepower that Baltimore Orioles fans have been waiting to see while continuing to battle inconsistency on the mound. Norfolk entered the week trying to climb out of the bottom half of the International League standings and managed several impressive victories highlighted by power hitting from Tommy Pham, Creed Willems, Luis Vázquez, and Jonathan Rodríguez.
Thursday, May 29: Doubleheader Sweep of Durham
Norfolk’s best day of the week came when they completed a suspended game and then won the regularly scheduled contest to sweep a doubleheader from the Durham Bulls.
Game 1: Norfolk 3, Durham 0
The Tides nearly completed a combined no-hitter. Yaqui Rivera threw three hitless innings before the suspended game resumed. Nestor German carried the effort deep into the contest before surrendering the only hit Durham would record. Creed Willems provided all the offense with a clutch three-run homer.
Game 2: Norfolk 7, Durham 5
Norfolk’s offense stayed hot in the nightcap. Sam Huff and Willy Vázquez launched early home runs as the Tides completed the sweep. The victory gave Norfolk consecutive wins and briefly generated momentum after a difficult May.
Saturday, May 30: Bullpen Meltdown
Durham 7, Norfolk 4
After the excitement of the doubleheader sweep, Norfolk could not keep the momentum going. Emergency starter Chris Kachmar kept the Bulls quiet early, but the bullpen struggled badly. Newly acquired Eduarniel Núñez endured a rough outing, allowing five runs while recording only one out.
Heston Kjerstad supplied some offense with an RBI double, but the Tides could not overcome the late collapse.
Sunday, May 31: Extra-Inning Thriller
Norfolk 8, Durham 5 (10 innings)
Harbor Park witnessed one of the week’s most exciting games.
Trace Bright delivered arguably his strongest Triple-A start of the season, allowing just two runs over six innings while striking out five. Norfolk and Durham remained tied entering extra innings before Creed Willems crushed a dramatic three-run walk-off homer in the tenth inning.
Willems continued his breakout season while Tommy Pham, José Barrero, and Michael Siani also contributed offensively.
Tuesday, June 2: Road Trip Opens
Gwinnett 6, Norfolk 4
The Tides opened a road series against the Gwinnett Stripers with a frustrating loss.
Norfolk jumped out early and received home runs from Creed Willems and Luis Vázquez, but defensive mistakes proved costly. Starter Yaqui Rivera battled through traffic all evening, and the Stripers capitalized on Norfolk miscues late in the game.
Thursday, June 4: Comeback Victory
Norfolk 4, Gwinnett 3
The Tides showed resilience in one of their best wins of the week.
Tommy Pham launched a two-run homer. Luis Vázquez delivered a game-tying hit before Jonathan Rodríguez drove in the go-ahead run. Christian Encarnacion-Strand enjoyed a huge night with three hits.
On the mound, Nestor German gave Norfolk another quality start, striking out seven over 5.2 innings while allowing three runs. The bullpen protected the lead to secure a valuable road victory.
Friday, June 5: Seventh-Inning Disaster
Durham 7, Norfolk 4
Norfolk appeared headed toward another win before a nightmare seventh inning changed everything.
The Tides carried a lead into the late innings, but Durham exploded for seven runs in the seventh to turn the game around. Norfolk’s offense could not answer after the rally, wasting another solid effort from the lineup. The loss dropped Norfolk to 21-34 on the season.
Top Performers of the Week
Creed Willems, C
The former Orioles prospect continued to be Norfolk’s most dangerous hitter.
Week Highlights
- Walk-off three-run homer against Durham
- Three-run homer in suspended game victory
- Multiple extra-base hits
- Continued to rank among team leaders in home runs and RBIs
Tommy Pham, OF
The veteran major leaguer looked increasingly comfortable.
Week Highlights
- Two-run homer against Gwinnett
- Multiple run-scoring hits
- Veteran leadership in a young lineup
Luis Vázquez, INF
One of Norfolk’s most consistent offensive players.
Week Highlights
- Home run against Gwinnett
- Key game-tying hit in comeback victory
- Strong defensive play in the infield
Jonathan Rodríguez, OF
Rodríguez continued to provide timely offense.
Week Highlights
- Go-ahead RBI against Gwinnett
- Multiple run-producing hits throughout the week
Nestor German, RHP
Perhaps Norfolk’s most reliable starter this week.
Week Highlights
- Nearly helped complete a combined no-hitter
- 5.2 innings and seven strikeouts against Gwinnett
- Two strong starts in one week
Week in Review
Record Since Last Friday: 4-3
Biggest Win
8-5 victory over Durham on May 31
- Walk-off homer by Creed Willems
- Strong start by Trace Bright
- Dramatic extra-inning finish
Biggest Concern
The bullpen remains inconsistent. Norfolk lost multiple games because late-inning relief pitching could not protect leads, including the seven-run inning collapse against Durham.
Biggest Positive
The offense is beginning to click. Tommy Pham, Creed Willems, Luis Vázquez, Christian Encarnacion-Strand, and Jonathan Rodríguez all produced key hits during the week. Norfolk scored at least four runs in five of its seven games.
For Orioles fans, the biggest takeaway is that several players with major-league experience are starting to heat up. If the Tides can stabilize their pitching staff, Norfolk could become one of the more dangerous offenses in the International League during the second half of the season.
