August 16, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Drohan strikes out 10, Anthony picks up four hits
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Worcester lost a tough one, allowing four runs in the ninth inning. Shane Drohan was absolutely tremendous to start it off, tossing six shutout innings with 10 strikeouts. The lefty only allowed three hits and one walk. It's the first time this season with at least 10 strikeouts in an outing. Justin Hagenman surrendered two runs over two innings, but struck out three and did not issue a free pass. The WooSox scored all five of their runs in the sixth inning, which was highlighted by Stephen Scott's three-run blast. It was the 11th homer since being called up to Worcester for the DH, who also added a single and a walk. His OPS is now over 1.000 in 36 Triple-A games. Ceddanne Rafaela drove in the other two runs with a two-run triple.
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Tyler Dearden had a huge game for the Sea Dogs, belting a two-run homer, driving in a run on a bases loaded walk, and ripping an RBI single. It's the second time in the past two weeks with a four-RBI game for the left fielder. Nick Yorke also homered for the 13th time, singled, and knocked in three runs. Alex Binelas and Corey Rosier each singled, doubled, and scored two runs. Brainer Bonaci has now hit safely in all six of his games with Portland since getting called up, as he went 1 for 3 with a pair of walks. Grant Gambrell allowed three earned runs over five innings on five hits, four walks, and four strikeouts. Ryan Miller struck out three and didn't walk anybody over 1 2/3 innings of work, and Ryan Zeferjahn picked up the save with a scoreless ninth.
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Juan Daniel Encarnacion didn't have it last night, surrendering eight runs (six earned) over just 1 1/3 innings. Casey Cobb was great out of the bullpen, allowing just a run in 2 2/3 frames with five strikeouts and no free passes. Roman Anthony had a another huge game, going 4 for 5 with four singles and three runs driven in. Ronald Rosario had three hits, including a triple, while Tyler Miller added two hits and two runs scored.
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Johanfran Garcia made an impact right away in his first game with Salem, roping a double in his first at-bat. He also swiped a bag. It was a big second inning for Salem, scoring four runs. Marvin Alcantara singled home a run and scored on a wild pitch, while Lyonell James had a two-run single in the frame. Jose Ramirez picked up his third win of the year, lasting five innings and allowing just two runs. He struck out two and walked three. Luis De La Rosa and Jonathan Brand each had identical pitching lines, going two innings without giving up a run or a hit, each walking one and striking out three. Brand earned his eighth save.
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Nazzan Zanetello had the best offensive game of his young professional career, reaching base three times with a double and a pair of walks. He drove in a run and scored a run. Antonio Anderson, Boston's third round pick this past July, picked up his first career professional hit as well, going 1 for 3 with an RBI single. Stanley Tucker, another 2023 draft pick, had the only other hit on the day for the Sox. Willian Colmenares tossed three shutout innings to begin the day on the mound, allowing only one hit. Stijn Van Der Schaaf picked up the win, as he followed up Colmenares with four scoreless innings of his own. He punched out two and walked just one. Simon Pacheco grabbed his sixth save with one earned run allowed over two innings.
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Yoiber Ruiz led the way on offense, going 3 for 5 with a double, a triple, and four RBI. Frederik Jimenez tripled home a run as part of his 2-for-5 day, while Cristofher Paniagua had two hits and a walk. Raimundo De Los Santos did a great job in the leadoff spot by reaching base four times with two singles and two walks. He also stole third base. Kleyver Salazar added two knocks, and Yoeilin Cespedes roped a two-run double. Obed Balderas labored through 4 1/3 innings, allowing seven hits and a walk. He did limit the damage to just three runs. Daury Pena did not allow a run over 1 2/3 frames and Ali Ascanio finished it off with a clean ninth inning that included two strikeouts.
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Breilin Arredondo started and surrendered two runs over four innings, striking out four and walking two. Oscar Sanchez and Marcos Almanzar each threw two shutout innings out of the bullpen. Sanchez struck out three and Almanzar did not surrender a hit. Gerardo Rodriguez continued his great season with a 2-for-4 game. He singled, doubled, drove in three runs, and raised his OPS to .887. Franyer Noria and Yosander Asencio also each had two hits including a double. Noria stole his sixth bag and scored three times.
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Player of the Day: Shane Drohan delivered his best start yet as a member of the Worcester Red Sox with 10 strikeouts in six shutout innings. He did that against a good RailRiders lineup as well, that featured Franchy Cordero and Jake Lamb, who have both had success in the show, along with Yankees' third ranked prospect Everson Pereira
Photo Credit: Shane Drohan by Kelly O'Connor