Cup of Coffee: Walter inconsistent as WooSox fall to first loss

4/2 Cup of Coffee: After Friday's opening day victory, Worcester fell to 1-1 on the year as a stacked Syracuse lineup unloaded for 20 hits and five home runs. The WooSox remain the only team in action, with the rest of the full season affiliates kicking off on Thursday.

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Syracuse Mets (NYM) 16, Worcester Red Sox 6

April Fools' Day proved to be a particularly cruel one for the WooSox pitching staff. Brandon Walter went just 3 2/3 innings in his 2023 debut, allowing five runs on seven hits, striking out one, walking two, and surrendering a home run to 2019 first-round pick Brett Baty. It was an even tougher afternoon for the bullpen, as a quartet of relievers gave up 11 runs in 5 1/3 frames. Each of the four relievers surrendered at least one run, with Oddanier Mosqueda having the most success. The left-hander who made a run at a major league roster slot allowed a run on two hits in 2 1/3, walking one and striking out a pair.

There were some bright spots at the plate, as the lineup delivered 11 hits. Catcher Caleb Hamilton (pictured) led the charge, blasting a two-run homer in the second inning and finishing 2 for 3 with a pair of walks. Nick Sogard was 2 for 2 with a double and two free passes, and Jorge Alfaro and Niko Goodrum also picked up two hits apiece. 

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Player of the Day: The WooSox are now 1-1, but the Hamiltons are undefeated in 2023 Player of the Day competition. After David's usual opening day explosion, it was Caleb Hamilton who got his shot on day two. The 2016 23rd-round pick had spent his entire professional career with the Minnesota Twins organization, finally reaching the major leagues on July 17 of last year. He homered in his first at-bat in a Worcester uniform before adding a single and a pair of walks. 

Photo Credit: Caleb Hamilton by Kelly O'Connor

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