Cup of Coffee: Yorke slam powers Drive; Cordero homers twice

9/9 Cup of Coffee: With only three games on the docket, some of the organization's strongest performers keyed a pair of wins. Nick Yorke continued to be one of minor league baseball's hottest hitters, launching a tie-breaking grand slam in the ninth inning of Greenville's win. For the WooSox, August Pitcher of the Month Raynel Espinal turned in a strong start while Franchy Cordero (pictured) carried the offense. Salem took the day's only loss despite the efforts of Nick Decker.

-----

Worcester Red Sox 4, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 3

Franchy Cordero provided the bulk of the offense as Worcester prevailed despite striking out 15 times. Cordero launched a solo homer in the second inning and followed up with a two-run blast in the sixth. The left fielder added a double as he accounted for three of Worcester's five hits and 10 of the team's 12 total bases. Jack Lopez reached base in each of his three plate appearances as he recorded a single and two walks. Raynel Espinal had a strong start, allowing two unearned runs on three hits in six innings, striking out six, and walking two. Eduard Bazardo got credit for the save, allowing a solo home run in the ninth but preserving the victory.

-----

Portland Sea Dogs vs. Binghamton Rumble Ponies (NYM), Canceled (COVID-19)

Provided Binghamton has satisfactorily completed the COVID-19 protocols, the series will be able to begin as a four-game set on Thursday.

-----

Greenville Drive 6, Hickory Crawdads (TEX) 2

A Nick Yorke grand slam with two outs in the top of the ninth inning gave Greenville its first lead of the evening and sent the Drive home victorious. It was the third home run for Yorke since his promotion from Salem and his first since August 29, as the 2020 first-round pick has a .635 slugging percentage in his time with the Drive. Brandon Howlett had a big day at the plate, going 3 for 4 with his 19th double of the season. Elih Marrero tripled for the first time this year and added a walk. Jeremy Wu-Yelland went three innings, his only blemish coming on a solo home run in the top of the first. Brandon Nail was a highlight in relief, striking out five out of eight batters he faced in two scoreless frames. Zack Bryant recorded the win, allowing one run on three hits in two innings. 

-----

Lynchburg Hillcats (CLE) 5, Salem Red Sox 4

Salem was on the wrong end of a walk-off loss as Devon Roedahl suffered a rare misstep, surrendering a solo home run. Roedahl has allowed just a .203 batting average to opponents this season on his way to a 1.87 ERA, the lowest among pitchers in the organization with at least 50 innings. Bradley Blalock had an uneven start, allowing three runs on five hits in five innings, walking two, striking out three, and giving up a pair of homers. At the plate, Nick Decker continued his resurgence. The 2018 second-round pick was 2 for 3 with a double, run scored, and two RBI. Nicholas Northcut blasted his 13th home run of the season, while Brainer Bonaci recorded his first double since last week's promotion from the FCL.

-----

Player of the Day: Despite his struggles at the major league level, Franchy Cordero has been a major contributor during his stints with the WooSox. Rejoining the team Wednesday after a quick stint with the big club as a COVID-necessitated reinforcement, the 27-year-old outfielder carried the Worcester offense. He compiled 10 total bases with a double and two homers, driving in three runs and scoring twice. 

Photo Credit: Franchy Cordero by Kelly O'Connor

Tweet