The Norfolk Tides are slowly fading from contention as the season reaches the dog days of summer.
Having not won a series since before July 4, the Tides’ misfortune continued, as the Durham would take four of the six games played this past week.
Once again, it was pitching that struck them, as the Bulls scored four or more runs in every game of the series. The offense, outside of the two victories, scored four or fewer runs in each loss.
It would be hard pressed to mention any series lately without the heroics of O’s top prospect, Gunnar Henderson.
Henderson collected hits in five of the six games, but Saturday’s 8-7 victory for the Tides was his biggest game.
Henderson would go 3-for-6 in the game, collecting a home run, but his biggest hit came in the 10th inning. He would hit the game-winning single that would lead Norfolk to victory.
For the season, MLB Pipeline’s No. 2 prospect is hitting .298 with 19 home runs, 75 RBIs and 19 stolen bases across two levels. It’s a matter of time before he is helping the Orioles fight for a postseason birth.
Jordan Westburg had a strong series, with two multi-hit games and hits in three of the five games he played. He also had five walks and five RBIs across the series.
In Wednesday’s 4-3 defeat, Westburg was 2-for-4 with a triple, an RBI and one run scored. For the year, Westburg is hitting .257 with 19 home runs and 75 RBIs across two levels.
Drew Rom made his Tides debut Sunday and quickly showed why he belongs in Triple-A.
Though the Tides took the loss, Rom would not factor into the decision. He would pitch 4.2 innings, allowing four hits and one run, striking out nine.
On the year, Rom is 7-2 across 20 games, 19 of them starts. He has pitched to a 4.24 ERA across 87 innings with 110 strikeouts and only 33 walks.
The Tides head to Jacksonville to take on the Jumbo Shrimp starting Tuesday. Will Norfolk close out the season strong? Tune in and find out Tuesday at 7:05 p.m. EST.
Who stood out to you for Norfolk this week? Let us know in the comments below! And make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook and Twitter, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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