Norfolk

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. -The Orioles told top prospect Matt Wieters on Thursday that he will be reassigned to the Triple-A Norfolk roster effective Monday. Manager Dave Trembley met with Wieters after Thursday's exhibition loss to the Florida Marlins and informed him of the club's plans, but the assignment is not yet official. Wieters will remain with the team over the weekend and is scheduled to accompany the Orioles to Jupiter for Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Marlins. None of this comes as a surprise.

Norfolk outfielder Luis Terrero hit a grand slam in the top of the ninth inning Friday night, highlighting a seven-run rally that broke up a 3-3 tie and carried the Tides to a 10-3 victory over Louisville in an International League game. Terrero was one of five Norfolk batters to collect two hits in the win that enabled the up-and-down Tides to end their eight-game road trip with a 2-6 record. However, for one night at least, the Orioles' Triple-A affiliate not only flashed home run power but hitting throughout the lineup.

Hoping to prevent China Ocean Shipping Co. from shifting its container service from Baltimore to Norfolk, Va., Maryland port officials plan to reduce the company's rates here.One of the world's largest steamship lines, China Ocean Shipping Co., known as Cosco, has been operating at Seagirt Marine Terminal since early 1994. While Cosco is only the port's seventh largest customer, it provides a crucial shipping link between the port of Baltimore and the rapidly growing Far East market via the Suez Canal.

A former Baltimore police officer was killed in the line of duty Friday in Norfolk, Va., after being shot by an assailant who was still at large, the Norfolk Police Department said yesterday. Stanley Cornell Reaves, 33, was a Baltimore police officer from 1993 until 2004, when he was hired by the Norfolk department. According to Norfolk police, Reaves was flagged down by a person who told him a man nearby was acting suspiciously. He approached the man, who was standing by a parked van, about 4 p.m. Friday.

Similar to Saturday night's loss to Hampton, the Coppin State men's basketball team was vexed by its inability to defend against the three-point shot during its Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference game with Norfolk State last night. But the Eagles found other ways to make big plays on defense down the stretch during a 72-69 win over the Spartans. Raheem Scott made two steals and Nicholas King had another in the final four minutes to give Coppin only its fourth win in 14 meetings between the two teams.

To explore Maryland neighborhoods and Bay and Beach towns, go to www.SunSpot.net/neighborhoodsNORFOLK, Va. -- The "new" Norfolk hasn't yet sparked the hype of, say, Atlanta or Charlotte. But this historic city's continuing urban renaissance could make it the next gleaming gem of the so-called New South. Situated along waterways where the Chesapeake Bay and Atlantic Ocean meet, the nearly 400-year-old city has chiefly been known for maritime operations, shipbuilding and as home to the world's largest naval station.

Towson University's men continued to test the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference waters last night and this time, experienced a narrow escape. Senior guard Brian Allen came to the rescue in the closing minutes and sank a game-winning three-pointer with 10 seconds left to give the Tigers a 53-50 victory over Norfolk State at the Towson Center in the first-ever meeting of the two teams. All of this season's victories for Towson (3-3) have come against MEAC opposition. The Spartans were stubborn, leading 46-42 with five minutes remaining thanks to two consecutive baskets by senior center Thomas Aladi, who also grabbed a game-high 12 rebounds.

RICHMOND, Va. - Savvy and quickness overcame youth yesterday when third-seeded Norfolk State eliminated the Maryland-Eastern Shore women from the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference tournament. Before a smattering of fans, Norfolk dominated with its pressure defense and superior shooting in a 66-51 decision at the Richmond Coliseum. The victory was the 20th in 28 games for the Lady Spartans. UMES went home with a 12-17 record. "They came in very intense and ready to play," said Hawks coach Surina Dixon.

Morgan State coach Donald Hill-Eley can cope with the frequent missteps of his youthful defense. He can excuse the lack of execution by his sophomore quarterback, in whom he sees vast potential. It's the momentum-changing miscues of his special teams, however, that hit the fourth-year coach like a punch to the gut. Once again yesterday, a series of lapses on special teams proved costly for the Bears, who allowed Norfolk State to take command with 17 unanswered points in the final 3:33 of the first half in a 24-21 loss before 3,672 on Senior Day at Hughes Stadium.

Maybe Morgan State's men should be snowed out more often. In the rare circumstance of playing on a weekday afternoon, the Bears remained unbeaten in postponed games yesterday, holding on for a 63-60 Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference victory over Norfolk State at Hill Field House. "When we get games rescheduled, we're 2-0," said Morgan guard Stan Grandy, who was forced into extensive duty at the point after a slew of injuries and foul trouble decimated the team's depth. "We should try it again."