The Baltimore Orioles recently sent one of their top prospects, outfielder Heston Kjerstad, back down to the minors to get him more playing time and experience, and the 25-year old has shined. The Norfolk Tides played the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Sunday afternoon, going through 10 scoreless innings.
The first 10 innings were a pitcher’s duel. The Tides starting pitcher, Jonathan Heasley, pitched five strong innings, allowing 2 hits, one walk, and striking out five. Nick Vespi closed out the game, pitching 1 inning, allowing one hit, walking two, and striking out one. Vespi received the win.
Both teams scored a run in the 11th inning. Aramis Garcia for the IronPigs hit a double, scoring Cal Stevenson, and Norfolk catcher Michael Perez executed a hit-and-run to score Billy Cook from third. In the 12th inning, the Tides were down 3-1, and Kjerstad, who was 0-5 that afternoon, was up to bat. He hit a walk-off grand slam, leading to the Tides getting the win and splitting the series with the IronPigs.
Kjerstad is now hitting .275 and has been making strong appearances in his re-debut with the Tides. The Tides’ next series is against Worcester and starts Tuesday, May 21st. They will battle to stay over .500 and take the series.
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