April 1, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Hickey crushes first Triple-A homer as Worcester earns series win
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The WooSox closed out the first weekend of the Triple-A season by picking up a series victory over the IronPigs on Sunday afternoon. Romy Gonzalez recorded his second multi-hit game in three tries, going 2 for 5 with a double and two-run triple out of the three-hole. Leadoff man Nick Sogard, meanwhile, went 1 for 4 with a walk and go-ahead RBI single. Batting between Sogard, and Gonzalez, Nathan Hickey crushed a 435-foot two-run shot in the fourth inning for his first home run of the year. Corey Rosier, Dalton Guthrie, and Eddy Alvarez each doubled while Niko Kavadas drew a team-high two walks.
Jason Alexander got the start for Worcester on the mound and was solid in his organizational debut. The veteran right-hander went the first four innings, allowing two earned runs on three hits, zero walks, and four strikeouts. Both of those runs came on a two-run homer off the bat of Kody Clemens in the bottom of the third. In relief of Alexander, Justin Hagenman picked up where he left off in Fort Myers by fanning two of the nine batters he faced over three perfect frames to ultimately earn the winning decision. Lucas Luetge and Andrew Politi then combined for two more scoreless innings to end it.
At 2-1, the WooSox will now return to Worcester for their home opener against the Buffalo Bisons at Polar Park on Tuesday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. eastern time.
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Player of the Day: Nathan Hickey recorded both the first hit and home run of his Triple-A career on Sunday. The 24-year-old also made his first start of the season at catcher after going 0 for 4 while serving as Worcester's designated hitter on Friday. He is currently ranked as the No. 17 prospect in the organization.
Photo Credit: Nathan Hickey by Kelly O'Connor