Orioles’ top minor-league pitching prospect Chris Tillman pitched Norfolk’s first nine-inning no-hitter in nearly 18 years on Wednesday as part of the Tides’ 6-0 win at Gwinnett, the Atlanta Braves’ Triple-A affiliate.

Tillman, 22, allowed one walk and struck out six in the gem, throwing 105 pitches. He retired Matt Young on a groundout to Robert Andino to secure the no-hitter.

Tillman’s only blemish was a walk to Gwinnett designated hitter Brent Clevlen in the fifth inning. He then induced left fielder Mitch Jones to ground into a double play after Clevlen reached. One other Gwinnett batter reached in the game – on a Michael Aubrey fielding error in the fifth. Tillman was helped by a strong Tides’ defense.

The no-hitter was announced to the Camden Yards crowd during the Orioles’ game against the New York Yankees.

It was the first nine-inning no-hitter thrown by the Tides since Dave Telgheder accomplished the feat on May 19, 1992.

Tides’ outfielder Jeff Salazar had two hits and two RBIs to pace the Tides’ offense.

Tillman, 22, is now 2-3 with a 4.05 ERA so far this season for the Tides. Tillman was sent to Norfolk in March after losing the Orioles’ fifth starter competition to David Hernandez.

Tillman made 12 major league starts for the Orioles in 2009 as a 21-year-old. He went 2-5 with a 5.40 ERA.

The Orioles acquired Tillman, a second round pick by the Seattle Mariners in 2006, in the 2008 trade with Seattle for Erik Bedard.