Cup of Coffee: Criswell delivers five scoreless in first outing

The WooSox were again the only game of the day, falling to 2-2 in their home opener. Cooper Criswell (pictured) was the bright spot, turning in a terrific outing for his first start of the season. The bullpen was also great for Worcester in the loss. 

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Buffalo Bisons (TOR) 2, Worcester Red Sox 0 (10 innings)

Cooper Criswell made his organizational debut and followed the lead of all of Boston's starters at the big league level. The right-hander tossed five shutout innings on 74 pitches. He only allowed four hits and one walk while punching out five. Our own Ian Cundall was in attendance and noted Criswell's deceptive delivery and the use of a promising sweeper. Joe Jacques and Zack Kelly each tossed a scoreless frame, with Kelly touching 96 MPH on his fastball. Lefty Jorge Benitez was also great on the mound, throwing two innings without allowing a hit, walk, or run. He struck out three. At the plate, the Sox' bats were silenced, picking up just two hits in 10 innings. Romy Gonzalez singled and has now hit safely in three of his first four games this year. Mark Contreras had the other knock, a single. 

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Player of the Day: Cooper Criswell gets the nod in his first Triple-A start with the Red Sox. Acquired as a free agent in December, the 27-year old Criswell spent last season with Tampa Bay. He was with Triple-A Durham for the whole season and posted a 3.93 ERA in 84 2/3 frames. He struck out 80 with 23 walks and a 1.30 WHIP. He had a nice spring training as well in 2024, posting a 2.95 ERA with 17 strikeouts and three walks in 18 1/3 innings.

Photo Credit: Cooper Criswell by Kelly O'Connor

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