Kjerstad caps week in grand fashion for Tides
Heston Kjerstad slapped an exclamation point on his return to Triple-A. MLB’s No. 22 prospect clubbed a home run off the first pitch he saw Wednesday and ended his week with an even bigger added roundtripper. Kjerstad -- who had 10 homers in the International League prior to his promotion
MLB’s No. 22 prospect clubbed a home run off the first pitch he saw Wednesday and ended his week with an even bigger added roundtripper. Kjerstad -- who had 10 homers in the International League prior to his promotion -- swatted a walk-off grand slam Sunday against the IronPigs.
In the bottom of the 12th inning, Kjerstad stepped into the batter’s box with the bases loaded and two outs. And just like on his first homer back at Triple-A, the 25-year-old only needed one pitch. The lefty rocketed a 409-foot, 106.7 mph shot off a high changeup by Phillies right-hander Nick Nelson to right-center field, securing a 5-3 win for the Tides at Harbor Park.
Over the past week, the Orioles’ No. 4 prospect amassed 24 at-bats -- six Sunday -- in six games for Norfolk. The Arkansas product had hits in four of them, while three of his knocks went for extra bases.
Baltimore optioned Kjerstad to Norfolk on Monday following a short stay with sparse playing time in the Major Leagues. The 2020 second overall pick made 17 plate appearances in seven games, collecting a pair of singles, two walks and striking out six times.
On the season at Triple-A, Kjerstad has posted a slash line of .318/.395/.701 with 12 home runs -- second-most in the International League behind teammate Coby Mayo (BAL No. 3) and the Mets’ Trayce Thompson, who both have 13.
Kenny Van Doren is a contributor for MiLB.com.