April 7, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Early terrific for Greenville; Bleis shows his patience
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Two more hits from Romy Gonzalez paced the offense, but the pitching staff struggled to find the strike zone in a loss to Buffalo. Brian Van Belle lasted only 3 2/3 innings, allowing five runs on seven hits and three walks. Justin Hagenman was tagged for four runs over two innings, and Joe Jacques allowed one run on three walks over 1 1/3 innings. Zack Kelly was the only pitcher to hold Buffalo scoreless, but he also issued three walks in two innings.
The game's most exciting play was Mark Contreras stealing home as part of a double steal with Jamie Westbrook. Niko Kavadas reached base three times with a single and two walks, and Nathan Hickey went 2 for 5. The WooSox played one man short as David Hamilton traveled to Anaheim to join the big league club after Trevor Story injured his shoulder.
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Hartford Yard Goats (COL) @ Portland Sea Dogs, PPD (snow)
As previously announced, Saturday's game was postponed due to snow that fell earlier in the week. They are expected to begin their season on Sunday.
As previously announced, Saturday's game was postponed due to snow that fell earlier in the week. They are expected to begin their season on Sunday.
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Reidis Sena allowed six runs in relief, including a walk-off three-run home run, as the Drive dropped to 1-1. Starter Connelly Early was dominant, retiring the first nine batters as he cruised through four scoreless innings. He allowed just one single and one walk while striking out six. Cooper Adams kept Greensboro off the board in his three innings before turning the ball over to Sena. On offense, Caden Rose made the most of his professional debut going 1 for 4 with a solo home run. Ronald Rosario went 2 for 4 with a double, and Karson Simas went 1 for 3 with a double, walk, and a stolen base.
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Salem managed just four hits as they fell to 0-2. Elmer Rodriguez had a shaky start to his season, allowing three runs on seven hits over three innings. He walked three and struck out four. Nathanael Cruz was excellent in relief, striking out three over two shutout innings. Francis Hernandez struck out six over four innings but allowed three runs on three hits.
Leadoff batter Miguel Bleis worked three walks as part of an 0-for-1 night that also saw him swipe his first base. Johanfran Garcia went 1 for 4 and drove in a run, and Albert Feliz had a single and a sacrifice fly.
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Player of the Day: Connelly Early needed just 55 pitches to get through four shutout frames in Greenville's loss to Greensboro. Boston's fifth-round pick in the 2023 draft out of the University of Virginia, Early is currently the 47th-ranked prospect in the system. The 6-foot-3 left-hander has a potential plus changeup while mixing in a curveball and cutter to accompany his low-90s fastball.
Photo Credit: Connelly Early by Kelly O'Connor