NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY/Norfolk Tides release) — A hot Durham Bulls offense spoiled the season-opener for the Norfolk Tides, with the visitors winning 9-2 before 10,148 at Harbor Park on a night that saw fans fend off a new parking configuration while, on the field, they saw the temporary return of Gunnar Henderson to the team while on a rehabilitation assignment from Baltimore.

The Norfolk Tides (0-1) fell to the Durham Bulls (1-0), 9-2, on Friday night at Harbor Park in front of 10,148 fans as Gunnar Henderson made his 2025 season debut on a rehab assignment. Major League Rehab, but the night was spoiled due to a hot Bulls offense.

The first Tides run of the season came in the sixth inning when Dylan Carlson blasted a solo home run. He finished the night 2-for-4. Henderson went 1-for-3 in the leadoff spot, lacing a single in the fourth inning with a 105.9 mph exit velocity. Henderson exited the game in the eighth inning after Nick Gordon substituted for him at shortstop.

Eight of the nine starters in Durham’s lineup knocked at least one base hit. The top of the lineup led the charge for the Bulls, starting with prospect Chandler Simpson going 3-for-6 in the leadoff spot.

Behind him was veteran Eloy Jiménez, who also went 3-for-6 with a double and three RBI. It was Tanner Murray who led all players in offense, however, with him going 3-for-5 with a home run and three RBI. All three hits had an exit velocity of more than 104 mph.

The Tides got one more run in the ninth, as a single from Vimael Machín drove in Jud Fabian, who had reached base on a throwing error.

Saturday, left-handed pitcher Raúl Alcantara will start for Norfolk in game two, while right-handed pitcher Logan Workman will be on the mound for Durham. First pitch is at 6:35 p.m. at Harbor Park.