Usually, when the tide rises, it engulfs surrounding areas and leaves its presence for long periods. This is similar to what the Norfolk Tides are doing this season.
Norfolk welcomed the Rochester Red Wings to town, and the Birds left Virginia after drowning for six games.
The Tides would take the series 5-1. Using an offense that scored nine or more runs in three games and pitching that held the Red Wings to three runs or less in four games, the Tides improved to 15-5 on the year.
Let’s take a look at some standouts from the series.
KYLE STOWERS – OF
The young power-hitting lefty is making the most of his time in Norfolk. Unable to get playing time in Baltimore, Stowers was sent to Norfolk, where he could play on a regular basis.
Taking advantage, Stowers collected five hits across the series, but those hits included a double and two home runs with eight RBIs and six walks. In Norfolk’s 17-7 victory Sunday, Stowers led the charge, going 1-for-2 at the plate, hitting a two-run homer, walking three times and scoring two runs.
Stowers is slashing .256/.400/.419 with two home runs for Norfolk, collecting 13 RBIs and eight runs scored.
JOEY ORTIZ – INF
The Orioles’ No. 7 prospect continues to turn heads with his offense. His glove still does a lot of talking, but his bat is starting to chatter just as much.
Against the Red Wings, Ortiz would go 9-for-21 (.429 avg) and would collect two doubles and a triple among his hits, as well as two RBIs. In the Tides’ 5-0 loss on Wednesday, Ortiz did his best to try and get the offense to spark, collecting three of the Tides’ seven hits, two of them doubles.
On the young season, Ortiz is now slashing .361/.373/.492. He has four doubles and two triples, has scored five times and has collected eight RBIs.
BRUCE ZIMMERMANN – LHP
The young lefty, Zimmermann, was the stand-out pitcher of the series. Cole Irvin might have won two games, but Zimmermann put forth the best outing of any of the starters for the series.
In Thursday’s 9-1 victory, Zimm showed his moxy in guiding the Tides to victory. He would pitch six innings, allowing one run on six hits while walking two and striking out six.
Zimmerman would improve to 1-1 on the season with a 2.87 ERA, 18 strikeouts in 15.1 innings of work and a WHIP of 1.21.
The Tides are pacing the International League as they remain in first place. After another series victory, they will now hit the road.
Norfolk (15-5) will head to Charlotte to take on the Knights (10-11) starting Tuesday night. First pitch is scheduled for 6:05 p.m. EST.
Who stood out to you for Norfolk this week? Let us know in the comments below! Make sure to follow The Baltimore Battery on Facebook, Twitter and TikTok, and use the hashtag #baltimorebattery when sharing our content!
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