Cup of Coffee: Sandlin debuts in Greenville; Tucker ignites Salem's late rally

4/11 Cup of Coffee: Boston's minor-league affiliates went 1-3 on Wednesday. Naoyuki Uwasawa debuted and Nathan Hickey homered again as Worcester fell to Syracuse. Matthew Lugo and Phillip Sikes each had two hits in Portland's loss to Reading. David Sandlin was charged with the losing decision in his first start for Greenville. Jhostynxon Garcia, Nelly Taylor (pictured), and Natanael Yuten enjoyed multi-hit performances as Salem defeated Delmarva.

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Syracuse Mets (NYM) 3, Worcester Red Sox 2

Naoyuki Uwasaka made his first start for Worcester on Wednesday night. The Japanese right-hander allowed three earned runs on four hits, one walk, and five strikeouts over five innings. He finished with 79 pitches (52 strikes). Zack Kelly and Cam Booser combined for five punchouts across three scoreless frames of relief. Both of Worcester's runs came by way of the long ball. Nathan Hickey went deep for the second straight game and the third time this season as part of a 1 for 3 showing. Nick Sogard also homered in the top of the sixth for his lone hit of the contest. Mark Contreras went 2 for 4 with a double.

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Reading Fightin Phils (PHI) 5, Portland Sea Dogs 1

Isaac Coffey lasted 4 2/3 innings in his season debut for Portland. The 23-year-old righty surrendered four runs (three earned) on four hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. Ryan Zeferjahn also made his first appearance of the year and scattered a pair of hits while striking out three over two scoreless frames of relief. Matthew Lugo provided the only offense for the Sea Dogs by clubbing a solo homer in the top of the third. Both he and Phillip Sikes had two hits in the loss.

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Bowling Green Hot Rods (TB) 5, Greenville Drive 1

David Sandlin went just 2 2/3 innings in his organizational debut at Fluor Field. The No. 12 prospect in the system yielded four runs (three earned) on four hits, two walks, and five strikeouts. Half of those runs came on a two-run homer in the top of the third. Jonathan Brand and Cade Feeney impressed out of the bullpen, combining for four punchouts over four scoreless, no-hit innings. Juan Chacon led the way offensively, going 1 for 2 with a triple, a walk, a run scored, and one stolen base. Luis Ravelo also doubled in the losing effort.

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Salem Red Sox 9, Delmarva Shorebirds (BAL) 5

Noah Dean was sharp in his first start of the season for Salem. The 23-year-old southpaw struck out six and walked only two over four scoreless, no-hit innings. He finished with 55 pitches (39 strikes) and induced 13 whiffs. Royman Blanco was credited with the winning decision after recording the final five outs of the contest without surrendering a run.

Jhostynxon Garcia went 2 for 4 and opened the scoring for the Red Sox by mashing his first home run of the year. Nelly Taylor also drove in a pair of runs as part of a 2 for 4 showing in which he stole a base. Stanley Tucker doubled in a pair of runs while Natanael Yuten scored one run on two singles. Miguel Bleis recorded a two-run triple, scored a run, drew a walk, stole a base, and threw out a runner at third base from center field.

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Player of the Day: Following Wednesday's 2 for 4 performance, Nelly Taylor is now riding a four-game hitting streak for Salem that has bumped his batting average up to .316 to start his first full professional season. Selected by Boston in the 11th round of last year's draft out of Polk State College, Taylor is currently ranked as the No. 50 prospect in the organization.

Photo Credit: Nelly Taylor by Kelly O'Connor

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