September 13, 2023 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Kavadas homers twice; Portland rallies; Drive win playoff game
9/13 Cup of Coffee: It was an exciting night for the system, as all three teams in action won. Greenville won their first playoff game behind some great pitching. Niko Kavadas (pictured) blasted two home runs in Worcester's 10-run effort. Hunter Dobbins pitched well for the Sea Dogs before Nathan Hickey led a huge late-inning comeback.
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Niko Kavadas led the way, going 2 for 4 with a pair of home runs. The left-handed slugger hit a solo shot in the fourth inning and then a two-run homer in the seventh. Narciso Crook had a big night, belting a solo home run in addition to drawing two walks. Christian Koss also went 1 for 4 with the first Triple-A home run of his career. Stephen Scott and Bobby Dalbec each doubled and drove in a couple of runs, while Ronaldo Hernandez went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Corey Kluber got the start in this one, making it his third appearance of the year for Worcester. The righty did now allow a run in 2 2/3 frames with two strikeouts and no walks. Shane Drohan picked up the win in relief with one of the craziest outings you'll see. He pitched 3 2/3 innings and walked seven batters, but somehow managed to escape with no runs allowed, as he did not surrender a base hit. He added three strikeouts. Chase Shugart tossed 1 1/3 shutout innings with a pair of strikeouts.
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The Sea Dogs rallied, scoring all six of their runs in the bottom half of the eighth inning after entering the frame facing a three-run deficit. Nathan Hickey delivered the big blow, a three-run double to put Portland ahead by a run. Blaze Jordan had two hits including an RBI double as well. Chase Meidroth reached three times with a couple singles and a walk. Roman Anthony walked twice and singled, and Kyle Teel singled, walked, and stole a base. Phillip Sikes added his 38th theft. Hunter Dobbins started and pitched very well, surrendering three runs (two earned) over six innings. He struck out six and walked just two. Our own Ian Cundall was in attendance and got some video. His fastball topped out at 98 MPH. Christopher Troye, Ryan Miller, and Alex Hoppe each tossed a scoreless frame, with Hoppe picking up the save.
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The Drive began their playoff run today in the first of a three-game set with the Crawdads. They took a 1-0 lead in the series behind a great start from Zach Penrod. The lefty allowed just one run over five innings on just one hit. He walked four, but punched out seven. The bullpen was also great, beginning with Casey Cobb, who allowed a run in two innings. Frank German struck out two in a hitless eighth inning before Felix Cepeda locked down the save with a shutout ninth inning and three strikeouts. At the plate, Greenville had just six hits, three of which came off the bat of Kristian Campbell. He singled twice, doubled, and scored a run. Allan Castro also went 1 for 4 with a solo home run. Ronald Rosario was 1 for 3 with a walk.
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Player of the Day: Niko Kavadas had his best game yet with Worcester with a season-high eight total bases. His two home runs give him six with Worcester and 20 overall on the season. Overall between Double-A and Triple-A, Kavadas has shown impressive patience and power. He has 91 walks and a .375 OBP to go along with 15 doubles and 20 homers.
Photo Credit: Niko Kavadas by Kelly O'Connor