May 10, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Jordan doubles twice and homers; Salem walks it off
5/10 Cup of Coffee: Blaze Jordan (pictured) was the standout last night despite Greenville's loss, racking up three extra-base hits. Salem had a walk-off win behind another great game from Roman Anthony. Ryan Fitzgerald homered for Worcester, and Joely Rodriguez had a very encouraging rehab appearance for Portland.
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It was a rough one for Worcester, falling behind by seven runs after three innings. The bottom of the order did their best to fight back, as Ryan Fitzgerald and Nick Sogard each went 2 for 3, with Fitzgerald crushing a ninth-inning home run. Greg Allen and Ronaldo Hernandez added two-baggers as well. Bryan Mata was roughed up in his start, surrendering six runs (four earned) over 2 1/3 innings. He gave up six hits, walked three, and punched out five before leaving the game in apparent discomfort. Jake Faria tossed 2 2/3 scoreless frames, while Kaleb Ort had a clean inning of his own with two strikeouts.
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Brian Van Belle got the start for Portland and got hit around, allowing six earned runs on seven hits in four frames. He gave up three long balls, walked three, and struck out five. Joely Rodriguez was fantastic in a rehab appearance, striking out three of the four batters he faced. Brendan Nail also tossed a scoreless inning with one strikeout. Ceddanne Rafaela had a nice night, ripping a double at the plate and making a sensational play in center field. Philip Sikes also went 1 for 4 with a walk and his second home run of the year.
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The Drive offensive attack was led by Blaze Jordan, who had a monster game by going 3 for 5 with a pair of doubles and his fifth home run of the season. He drove in two and scored three times. Brainer Bonaci had a great night as well with a 2-for-3 performance. The second baseman homered and added a couple walks as well. Alex Erro also went 1 for 4 with his first home run of 2023. Wikelman Gonzalez started and lasted just 2 1/3 innings, allowing one unearned run on four walks. He struck out three. Joe Jones punched out five, but also allowed three runs in 2 1/3 frames. Graham Hoffman did not allow a hit or a run in 1 2/3 innings, although he did walk four.
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The Sox pulled this one out with three consecutive walks in the ninth inning to walk it off. Roman Anthony had his second consecutive multi-hit night, going 2 for 5 with two runs scored. Cutter Coffey and Juan Chacon each went 2 for 4, with Coffey swiping two bags. Miguel Bleis also roped his third triple of the year in addition to taking a walk. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz started and pitched a solid game, allowing two runs (one earned) over four innings. He struck out three and walked four. Jonathan Brand had a nice outing out of the bullpen, striking out three in two frames without allowing an earned run.
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Player of the Day: Blaze Jordan raised his batting average over .300 and his OPS to .920 this season after last night. The 20-year old third baseman has been hot in May so far, hitting .381/.440/.714 in six games during the month.
Photo Credit: Blaze Jordan by Kelly O'Connor