NORFOLK, VA (WTKR)- The Norfolk Tides put together a historic campaign, but after all the milestones, they seemed to save their best performance for last.
Coby Mayo went 4-for-4 at the plate and the Tides' pitching staff shut down Durham as Norfolk blanked the Bulls, 7-0, in game three of the International League Championship Series at Harbor Park on Thursday night. The franchise claimed its first league championship since 1985.
"Unbelievable, man," manager Buck Britton said after the final out. "So proud of our guys. Backs against the wall after losing game one and come back here and prove, leave no doubt here tonight."
The Tides wasted no time, plating three runs in the bottom of the first. Mayo belted a ground-rule double that scored two runs and Joey Ortiz plated him later in the frame on a fielder's choice RBI.
Norfolk added a run in the third, when Lewin Diaz blooped a single into center, once again scoring Mayo and giving the home squad a 4-0 advantage.
Britton's group broke it open in the seventh inning. Jackson Holliday pulled a high and deep home run down the right field line for a solo shot and Mayo came through with a two-run blast to round out the scoring.
"It's really cool," Holliday said. "To be able to hit a homer anytime, especially in the [seventh] inning to help jump-start a rally is really cool."
Mayo's night paced the offense as his perfect night at the plate also included three runs and four RBI. Connor Norby tallied a multi-hit game for Norfolk, going 2-for-5 at the dish with a triple.
The Tides' pitching staff was magnificent. Cade Povich started things off with four shutout innings, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out four. Kyle Dowdy secured the win out of the bullpen, spinning three scoreless frames.
"We won 90 games in the regular season," Britton said. "That's hard to do. [I'm] so proud of these guys. They show up every day, go to work no matter the situation. Just happy to be a part of this ball club."
One more game remains for Norfolk as the Tides head to Las Vegas for Saturday's Triple-A National Championship game against Pacific Coast League champion Oklahoma City. First pitch is set for 10:00 PM.
