Plus, some heroics by Password Garcia.
The farm’s been having a good week, even if we can’t say the same for the Red Sox (and can’t ever, recently…) so let’s get right into it!
Worcester: W, 9-6 (BOX SCORE)
Tyler Uberstine is now officially a Triple-A pitcher, and he rung it in well against Rochester (Nationals AAA), giving up just two runs, going almost six innings, and striking out seven. He had some luck and the top of his lineup helped him in a deep way. Namely, a struggling Nick Sogard led the game off with his first home run of the season. Password has been raking since his call-up; he already has four home runs and notched his fourth double in two weeks for Worcester last night. And finally, this game was sealed by two home runs by Ryan Noda, who himself has had a delightful couple of weeks getting acclimated to a new organization. And I do enjoy that Worcester uses their starting pitchers into the sixth. What a concept! But it also gives the relievers that we cycle in and out of the Major League team (ideally, low leverage guys, but, alas) some breathing room. Worcester went four games over .500 after winning five consecutive games dating back to last week. But perhaps the most noteworthy of all? Roman Anthony sat.
Portland: PPD, Make Up Today (BOX SCORE)
Not even three innings into this one against Hartford (Rockies AA), and a struggling Hayden Mullins walking four and allowing those runs to score looks to be the defining line in this game should Portland stay 5 behind. The Sea Dogs did get two doubles but failed to have either cross the plate. The series continues from inning 3 at 4:00.
Greenville: W, 5-4 (BOX SCORE)
A rare game where Franklin Arias didn’t have a hit means the offense had to come from elsewhere to beat Rome (Braves High-A). Enter Miguel Bleis, who had a go-ahead two-run shot in the seventh inning. Isaac Stebens had a lockdown ninth in a high-leverage situation after Blake Kirwin unravelled a bit to start his third inning of work, but all worked in Greenville’s favor as John Holobetz got hit around the park, but solid defense ensured Holobetz would keep the game close. I guess the ten strikeouts in six innings helped, too…
Salem: W, 5-4 (BOX SCORE)
The lone team to fall Friday, although Portland is currently down in the suspended contest. The Red Sox kind of got hit around a bit and, outside of Yoelin Cespedes and Andruw Mussett most days, the team just hasn’t been hitting too well. Friday against the Hillcats (Guardians A) was not much of an exception, as Cespedes cranked a home run and a triple, but the team as a whole managed just six additional baserunner.
Have as happy of a Saturday if you can, even if the Yankees win…. though it may be tough to recover from for me, personally.