During a minor league baseball game on Tuesday, an unexpected thunderstorm made its presence felt in northeast Florida. The Norfolk Tides faced off against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, Triple-A affiliates of the Baltimore Orioles and Miami Marlins, respectively. The game took an unusual turn when a sudden thunderclap startled Tides pitcher Roansy Contreras during his delivery, leading to a balk call by the home plate umpire.

The incident occurred in the bottom of the first inning with a Jumbo Shrimp runner on third base and no outs. As Contreras prepared to pitch against Graham Pauley, a loud boom of thunder erupted, causing him to halt mid-delivery. Despite the unexpected interruption, the umpire adhered to the rule book and called a balk, allowing the runner to score and reducing the Jumbo Shrimp’s deficit to 2-1.

This event is not unprecedented in baseball, where sudden noises can disrupt play. However, the umpire’s decision was consistent with regulations that dictate a start-and-stop motion as grounds for a balk call. The game continued with Jacksonville scoring additional runs in the second and third innings, taking a 3-2 lead.

Nevertheless, Norfolk responded with resilience, scoring three runs each in the fourth and fifth innings to secure an 8-3 lead. They ultimately triumphed with a 9-5 victory. This win was significant for the Tides, who entered the game with a 34-49 record, reflecting struggles similar to their major league counterpart, the Orioles. In contrast, the Jumbo Shrimp held a promising 53-34 record, indicative of potential success for the Marlins.

The game highlighted how unpredictable elements like weather can influence sports outcomes. Despite initial setbacks, Norfolk’s victory showcased their determination and ability to overcome challenges.