Ryan Watson and two relievers combined on a five-hitter as the Norfolk Tides blanked the Durham Bulls 5-0 Saturday night before a crowd of 10,161 at Harbor Park.
On the first Fireworks Night of the season, the Tides (22-8) beat Durham (17-13) to clinch their fifth series victory in six tries this season. Norfolk did it against Durham’s No. 1 MLB prospect, pitcher Taj Bradley, who has already impressed the parent Tampa Bay Rays with three strong starts in the majors.
Norfolk tagged Bradley (1-2) for five runs — four earned — in 4 2/3 innings.
Lewin Diaz got it started with a sacrifice fly in the second inning. Jordan Westburg then hit his eighth homer of the season, a solo shot in the fourth, to extend his hitting streak to eight games.
Terrin Vavra started a three-run fifth with an RBI groundout, and Connor Norby capped it with a two-run single.
That was more than enough offense for Watson and relievers Nick Vespi and Chris Vallimont. Watson allowed three hits in four innings, with five strikeouts and two walks. Vespi (1-0) got the victory with a scoreless fifth, fanning two. Vallimont slammed the door with four one-hit innings and six strikeouts for his second save.
It was Norfolk’s second shutout of the season.
The Tides, who have padded their lead in the International League’s East Division to six games over Durham, managed only five hits. Colton Cowser went 0 for 4, ending his 24-game on-base streak.
The teams will conclude their series at 1:05 p.m. Sunday.