The Norfolk Tides are used to having their backs against the wall, whether it’s a revolving door of talent coming and going, falling behind in the Eastern League Championship or digging a hole in the Triple-A National Championship.
This was a team that did not shy away from obstacles, hard moments or even the pressure of succeeding. This was a team built to overcome, to pull together, and when all hope would be lost for others, step up from the crowd and show why they are special.
Essentially, it was Orioles top prospects Connor Norby and Colton Cowser who stepped up in the championship game against the Oklahoma City Dodgers and provided nearly all the offense.
Cowser would score the first run of the game. Trying to pull off a double steal, the Dodger catcher, Hunter Feduccia, would throw to second to try and nab Coby Mayo. Mayo would get involved in a run-down that would allow Cowser to cross home and put the Tides up 1-0.
From there, Justin Armbruester would pitch 4.2 innings of shutout ball. Unfortunately, before Armbruester would collect the third out, he would allow a solo home run to Feduccia, tying the game at one. Armbruester would complete five innings with the one run allowed.
Then, in the seventh with the Dodgers ahead 2-1, the Tides went to work. Lewin Díaz would double with one out in the inning and was followed by pinch hitter Maverick Handley drawing a walk on four pitches. Jackson Holliday proceeded to fly out before Norby walked to load the bases.
This would bring up the Orioles’ No. 2 and MLB’s No. 14 prospect, Colton Cowser. He quickly fell behind 0-2 before taking the next pitch 455 feet to center field for a go-ahead grand slam to make it a 5-2 Tides lead.
“It’s something we’ve worked for the whole year. Of course, it ended up being close, but hey, that’s how we’ve been playing it all year. So proud of our guys, proud of our staff, proud of the organization. It’s a really, really great feat that we just accomplished.”
– Colton Cowser on the Tides’ championship win
Connor Norby would provide a two-run home run in the top of the ninth, putting the Tides ahead 7-2. Those insurance runs were beneficial to the outcome of the game.
The Dodgers would collect an RBI single and a two-run home run to pull within 7-5. Joey Krehbiel would enter and be greeted by a solo home run by Miguel Vargas to bring the score to 7-6 before he eventually closed out the game.
Cowser was named MVP for the game, but it was Norby who summoned up what made the Norfolk Tides special this year.
“Resiliency, and that’s what we did. We’ve done it all year. We’ve had our ups, and we’ve had our downs. We didn’t make it easy on ourselves against Durham, and we didn’t make it easy on ourselves tonight. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
– Connor Norby on the Tides’ championship run and 2023 season
The Tides take the first Triple-A franchise title since the Tidewater Tides (NY Mets affiliate) won the Minor League World Series in 1983. Norfolk is also the first Orioles affiliate to win an overall title since 1971 when the Rochester Red Wings won the Junior World Series.
Congratulations to the Norfolk Tides on winning the 2023 International League and National League Titles!
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