In the first half of the MiLB season, the Tides steam-rolled opponents with ease as they won the first half division title. In the second half, they are finding it not as easy as before, though they are a game back of first with a 12-8 record.
Recently, the Tides would take on the Gwinnett Stripers and would split the series three games a piece. The Tides did hold the Stripers to three runs or less in three of the four games.
Let’s take a look at who stood out for the Tides this week.
HESTON KJERSTAD – OF/1B
No surprise here, as Heston Kjerstad just continues to make noise. Most players show a small drop off when moving up levels in the minors, but Kjerstad appears to have gotten even better in Norfolk.
The young phenom would collect nine total hits in five games for the series to improve his July slashline to .412/.475/.608. At this point in the season, Kjerstad is making it difficult for the Orioles not to make the next call to him.
In the Tides’ 11-10 loss on Wednesday, Kjerstad would collect three hits (including two doubles) and pick up two RBIs in the game.
In 33 games in Norfolk, Kjerstad is now hitting .344/.421/.584 with five home runs and 16 RBIs. Over his 33 games played at the Triple-A level, he has 43 total hits and has scored 23 runs.
GARRETT STALLINGS – RHP
Another young trade acquisition who is working his way through the Orioles’ system, Stallings is quickly working his way through the minor leagues.
This past series, Stallings had one of his best performances since his promotion to Norfolk. The right-hander would pitch five innings of six-hit, shutout ball. He would strike out four and walk two, throwing 89 pitches (53 strikes) and picking up his second victory in Triple-A.
Stallings improves to 2-2 on the season, with an ERA of 4.44 in the top minor league system. He has started five games, covering 24.1 innings of work and striking out 28 to nine walks.
The Tides will enjoy a day off Monday before welcoming the Nashville Sounds to town. This week will consist of a baseball card giveaway, a Christmas in July event and Norfolk will welcome area churches to the game at discount pricing.
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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