Tides Hold Off Epic Comeback to Clinch Series in Extras

CHARLOTTE, NC --- The Norfolk Tides (6-1) defeated the Charlotte Knights (1-6), 11-10, in 10 innings on Friday night at Truist Field. The Tides scored 10 runs in the first inning, but the Knights scored 10 unanswered runs to force extras.

The 10-run first inning broke open when Heston Kjerstad blasted a three-run shot, his sixth of the season. Two batters later, Kyle Stowers launched a two-run shot, also his sixth homer. Michael Pérez knocked in the next run on a single, his first base hit with the Orioles organization. Norfolk scored four more runs that inning on bases loaded walks and two RBI groundouts, putting them up 10-0 after 15 batters came to the plate.

Charlotte began their comeback right in the bottom-half, when Chuckie Robinson knocked a two-run single and Carlos Pérez followed with a two-run double. Another run crossed for them in the third when Robinson launched a solo home run, his first of the season, to cut the lead to 10-5.

Four more runs crossed the plate for Charlotte in the fourth. Oscar Colás knocked a bases-loaded, two-run single with runners advancing to second and third base. Robinson came through again, knocking both the runners in for his third and fourth RBI. The Knights tied the game at 10-10 in the fifth when a run scored on a double play.

Neither team would score for the remainder of regulation as the Tides played their first extra innings game of the season. Errol Robinson was able to knock in a run on a single to take the lead in the 10th for Norfolk. Wandisson Charles tossed scoreless ninth and 10th innings to seal the win for the Tides.

Game five of the series is scheduled at 6:05 p.m. tomorrow night. The Tides are scheduled to throw LHP John Means (0-0, 63.00) on MLB rehab, while the Knights will have RHP Chad Kuhl (0-0, 0.00) on the hill.

POSTGAME NOTES

Cheddar Kjerstad: Going 1-for-4 with a three-run shot and a bases-loaded walk tonight was Heston Kjerstad...he’s recorded at least three RBI in four straight games, the first player to do so in Orioles affiliate franchise history...he has 25 RBI through seven games so far, and had 32 RBI in 76 Triple-A games last season.

Stowers Powers: Going 1-for-5 with a solo home run was Kyle Stowers...it was his sixth home run of the season and the 45th of his Tides career...Stowers trails Steve Springer (49) for third-most homers in franchise history.

Home Run Parade: With two more home runs tonight, the Tides have opened the 2024 season a franchise record seven straight multi-homer efforts (since 2005)...the Tides lead all of professional baseball with 26 home runs, averaging 3.7 per game.