August 23, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Walter, Dobbins deliver solid outings; several debuts for FCL Sox
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Worcester took a brutal loss last night, taking a 7-1 lead into the ninth inning before surrendering seven runs in the frame. Things started off well with a five-run second inning, headlined by David Hamilton's two-run homer. It was his 15th long ball of the year, and he also drew two walks. Ceddanne Rafaela had a nice game as well going 2 for 4 with a stolen base and three runs scored. Stephen Scott and Niko Kavadas each reached base three times with a single and two walks. Brandon Walter was tremendous, going the first five innings while allowing just one run. He struck out six and only issued one free pass. Justin Hagenman was great in relief of Walter, throwing a pair of scoreless innings. Joe Jacques followed with a shutout frame of his own. Justin Garza and Cam Booser struggled, combining to allow seven runs in the ninth inning.
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Nick Yorke drove in two key runs with RBI singles in both the third and fifth innings. The number eight and nine hitters in the order, Tyler McDonough and Corey Rosier, had huge games going 3 for 4 and 3 for 3 with a walk, respectively. McDonough knocked in a run and Rosier doubled for the 20th time in addition to scoring two runs. Matthew Lugo added two hits as well. Hunter Dobbins delivered a strong outing, completing seven frames for the fourth time this season. The righty only allowed three hits and two runs while punching out six to pick up his fourth win of the year. Wyatt Olds and Luis Guerrero finished it off, each throwing a hitless inning with one strikeout. Guerrero notched his 18th save.
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Juan Daniel Encarnacion didn't have it last night, surrendering 12 runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in just 3 2/3 innings. He struck out four and walked two. Jordan DiValerio had a great outing in relief, allowing just a run on a solo shot over 3 1/3 innings. The righty struck out six and walked only one. Reidis Sena punched out three in a shoutout inning as well. Allan Castro was the offensive star, going 3 for 5 with his fourth home run of the year as well as a double. Eddinson Paulino went 1 for 2 with a double, two walks, and a run scored. Gilberto Jimenez and Max Ferguson each singled and drove in a run as well.
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Albert Feliz drilled a solo home run, his eighth of the year, in the third inning to give Salem a 1-0. But the offense didn't do much after that. Luis Ravelo swung a good bat, going 2 for 3 with two walks. Natanael Yuten also doubled and scored a run. Jose Ramirez had a rocky outing, giving up three runs on four hits and five walks over 3 1/3 innings. He also struck out five. Michael Valera threw the final three innings without allowing an earned run and striking out two.
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It was a rough day at the plate for the Sox, going 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Drew Ehrhard had a nice day with a 2-for-4 showing that included his first career double. Fraymi De Leon also doubled, while Angel Pierre and Armando Sierra each singled and walked. Kelvin Diaz added his 21st stolen base. Hayden Mullins started the game off on the mound and was terrific, as all five outs he recorded were strikeouts. He did not allow a run or a hit. Frank German followed with 1 1/3 scoreless innings and two strikeouts. There were four professional debuts from 2023 draft picks out of the bullpen in this one. Fourth-rounder Matt Duffy tossed a perfect inning with a strikeout, 12th-rounder Max Carlson threw a perfect inning of his own with two strikeouts, 18th-rounder Zach Fogell had a scoreless inning with one strikeout, and ninth-round pick Blake Wehunt tossed a shutout frame with one strikeout.
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DSL Rangers Blue @ DSL Red Sox Blue (Cancelled, rain)
This game was cancelled due to weather.
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DSL Red Sox Red @ DSL Cubs Red (cancelled, rain)
This game was also cancelled, along with every other DSL game yesterday.
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Player of the Day: Allan Castro has done nothing but hit since he was called up to Greenville in mid-July. Over 28 games with the Drive, Castro is hitting .312/.382/.523 with seven doubles, two triples, and four home runs. He has been especially hot of late, as last night was his fourth consecutive game with at least two hits.
Photo Credit: Allan Castro by Kelly O'Connor