Worcester: L, 0-12 (BOX SCORE)
Simply put: the WooSox got carved up by the Bison (Blue Jays AAA) pitching staff. Former Ray pitcher Josh Fleming pitched seven innings of two-hit ball and retired 16 consecutive batters en route to an easy win. To say Eduardo Rivera and Angel Bastardo out of relief couldn’t keep up with this lack of offensive firepower would be an understatement; the WooSox couldn’t find the strike zone all night, walking fourteen Bison throughout the day while allowing them seven hits with runners in scoring position.
It got to the point where Nathan Hickey, a first baseman, pitched the ninth and gave up a tater.
Portland: W, 10-7 (BOX SCORE)
No, Franklin Arias, did not hit a home run, though he did get a knock against Hartford (Rockies AA). Johanfran Garcia hoisted a ball into the seats, making a 7-6 game a 9-6 game in a shot that’d make all the difference. While the Sea Dogs pitching allowed three homers, the offense answered with three of their own and got them where it matters. And it wasn’t just home runs that made a difference in this game: the Sea Dogs had just a 12% chance of winning the game entering the fifth, but Abhram Liendo’s home run followed by a Nelly Taylor bases-clearing pop up just outside the infield certainly shifted matters.
Greenville: W, 9-3 (BOX SCORE)
While Jack Winnay’s ninth home run in High-A put a pebble in Rome (Braves High-A) pitcher Cedric DeGrandpre’s armor, the Drive hitting him around to start the sixth to the tune of five runs and boosting a tie game into a 7-2 lead. Despite committing three defensive errors, all it took was that one rally in which they hit around the lineup, and it completely changed the complexion of an otherwise close game.
Salem: L, 1-2 (BOX SCORE)
Seen enough of the Red Sox’s offense wasting good pitching starts? Well, it happened in A-ball as the RidgeYaks hit 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position against the Warbirds (Brewers A). Jason Gilman, the 23-year-old from Staten Island and a former Division III player (certainly a rarity…) looked incredible, making it through six innings with 64 pitches, allowing just two hits and no walks, striking out ten, even retiring one runner who reached base via a double play. But Salem just couldn’t pull a winnable game in, stranding 11 and getting caught stealing three times, even one of which would have been crucial.
Have a thunderous Thursday.
