NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY) – After falling behind by eight runs through the first five innings of a midday clash with the Charlotte Knights Thursday, the Norfolk Tides had just a 0.6% chance of winning.
But propelled by an eight-run sixth, the Tides (50-26) rallied for a 10-8 win over the Knights (35-42) in the afternoon clash at Harbor Park.
Charlotte raced out to a 3-0 lead in the second inning, and scored five more runs in the fifth to extend its margin.
But the sixth inning proved fruitful for the Tides.
It began with Heston Kjerstad driving in Norfolk’s first run with a double in the gap before Joey Ortiz singled to drive in another run. Josh Lester drove in another on a fielder’s choice. Then Daz Cameron and José Godoy each drove in a run on singles before Colton Cowser hit a three-run homer to left to completely erase the Tides’ deficit and tie the game at 8-8.
Ortiz drove in another run in the seventh on a double into the right-centerfield gap, bringing in Kjerstad. A Lester single put the Tides up 10-8.
The bullpen held it together at the end for Norfolk, ensuring it would complete its largest comeback win of the season.
The Tides play at home again at 6:35 p.m. Friday against Charlotte. Right-hander Justin Armbruester (1-0, 0.00 ERA) is Norfolk’s expected starter, while left-hander Garrett Davila (2-3, 5.40) is expected to start for the Knights.
Lester reflects on Orioles call-up
Before an 11-game stint with the Baltimore Orioles earlier this season, Lester, 28, had played just two games in the major leagues, with Kansas City.
