Cup of Coffee: Minor League Opening Day

Cup of Coffee 4/6: It was Opening Day for the rest of the full-season affiliates, though Portland isn't going to play until at least Sunday with winter weather rolling through coastal Maine. Worcester was able to clear its field to play a frigid doubleheader, while both of the Single-A affiliates went into extra innings in their first games. Romy Gonzalez had five RBI in Game 1 for Worcester, while each of the Garcias in Salem had multi-hit efforts, as well.

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Worcester Red Sox 9, Buffalo Bisons (TOR) 7 (7 innings)

In the first half of a chilly doubleheader in Worcester, the Red Sox withstood a six-run seventh to come away with the victory as Nathan Luke's grand slam wasn't enough. Five of the runs went on Lucas Luetge's tab, while it was AJ Politi who surrendered the big fly. Richard Fitts performed admirably as a starter, scattering six hits and an unearned run over 4 1/3 innings of work. He walked two and struck out three. Offensively, Worcester recorded just seven hits but worked eight walks to help facilitate scoring. Romy Gonzalez was 2 for 3 with a triple and a grand slam of his own, while Eddy Alvarez and David Hamilton reached base three times.  

Buffalo Bisons (TOR) 5, Worcester Red Sox 0 (7 Innings)

The Bisons pitching staff cleaned up the free passes and the runs dried up for the Red Sox, resulting in a shutout in the second half of the twin bill. Buffalo burst out for a 5-0 lead after the top of the third and all five went on Grant Gambrell's ledger, but he battled to contribute five innings of work. Chase Shugart and Luis Guerrero each had one walk and one strikeout in a hitless frame. Nathan Hickey had two of his team's six hits, all of which were singles.

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Portland Sea Dogs vs. Hartford Yard Goats, PPD (Weather)

Hadlock Field was covered in snow, which made for unplayable conditions. Saturday's matchup has already been moved, as well.

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Greenville Drive 5, Greensboro Grasshoppers (PIT) 3 (10 Innings)

The Grasshoppers jumped out to a 3-0 lead after one inning, but Greenville clawed back and won it with a pair of runs in extra innings. All three runs were charged to Luis Perales and the bullpen combined for just two hits allowed over nine shutout innings. Nathan Landry, Conor Steinbaugh, Caleb Bolden and Jonathan Brand each held it down for the Drive. Ahbram Liendo had three hits, including a three-bagger, while he was joined in the multi-hit club by Juan Chacon and Ronald Rosario. Luis Ravelo also knocked a two-run homer in the 10th to secure the win.

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Carolina Mudcats (MIL) 6, Salem Red Sox 4 (10 Innings)

None of the four games on the day went the standard length, as Salem scored a run in the 10th, but it wasn't enough to complete the comeback. Johanfran Garcia was the headliner offensively with a 3-for-4 performance, including a double. Jhonstynxon Garcia had two hits as well. The start went to Matt Duffy and Carolina scored a pair of runs over his 3 1/3-inning outing on three hits and a pair of walks. In relief, Zach Fogell and Denis Regullio each had a scoreless appearance.

Player of the Day: A grand slam makes for a pretty big day, especially when paired with a triple. That's the kind of day Romy Gonzalez had, doing so in just seven innings for Worcester in a win. Coming to Worcester in January by way of the White Sox system, Gonzalez showed off his power/speed combination on Friday with the seven total bases. That's valuable and the speed in particular is helpful for a player who can play several different positions. 

Photo Credit: Romy Gonzalez by Kelly O'Connor

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