May 20, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Anderson, Garcia combine for 4 RBIs in Salem's comeback win
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Jason Alexander took the loss in Game 1 of Sunday's doubleheader after allowing five earned runs on nine hits, zero walks, one hit batsman, and three strikeouts over five innings. Sal Romano surrendered an additional run on two hits (including a solo home run) in three innings of relief. Bobby Dalbec and Eddy Alvarez both went 1 for 4 with RBI singles. Nick Sogard reached base in three of his four plate appearances while Pablo Reyes scored two runs, drew two walks, and stole one base.
To make up for Saturday's rainout, Grant Gambrell helped Worcester salvage a doubleheader split in Sunday's series finale. After Ryan Zeferjahn worked a scoreless first inning, Gambrell allowed only one run on four hits (including a solo homer), one walk, and four strikeouts over five solid frames. Lucas Luetge notched the save by putting up a zero in the seventh. Nathan Hickey provided some thump by going 1 for 3 with his fourth home run of the season. Nick Sogard and Jamie Westbrook both recorded RBI doubles while Chase Meidroth went 2 for 3 out of the leadoff spot.
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Helcris Olivarez struggled with command in his start for Portland, allowing three earned runs on one hit, a season-high six walks, one hit batsman, and four strikeouts over 2 2/3 innings. Only 31 of the 68 pitches he threw went for strikes. Jonathan Brand retired all six batters he faced in two scoreless frames out of the bullpen. Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel each went 2 for 4, with the former recording his 10th double of the year. Marcelo Mayer and Eddinson Paulino accounted for Portland's two other hits.
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Connelly Early took the loss after allowing three earned runs on three hits, two walks, and five strikeouts over five innings. He finished with 72 pitches (48 strikes) and induced 16 swings-and-misses. Fellow lefty Zach Fogell fanned three more in two scoreless, no-hit innings out of the bullpen. Allan Castro went 1 for 3 with one run scored and one walk. Greenville's only other hit belonged to Luis Ravelo, who went 1 for 2 with a walk and a double.
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It took extra innings, but Salem secured a series victory over Augusta by staging another comeback on Sunday. Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz impressed in his seventh start of the season, allowing only one earned run on two hits, one walk, and five strikeouts over five solid innings. He threw 72 pitches (46 strikes) and induced 13 whiffs. Royman Blanco and Max Carlson followed by combining for five scoreless frames of relief. Jhostynxon Garcia led the way offensively by going 2 for 5 with a solo home run and two additional RBIs. Antonio Anderson also drove in a run and scored another as part of a 2 for 4 showing in which he doubled for the second time this season.
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Player of the Day: Jhostynxon Garcia got off to a scorching start this season before being placed on the injured list due to a left hamstring strain in late April. The 21-year-old outfielder returned to action for Salem on May 5 but went just 3 for 21 (.143) in his first six games back. After riding the bench this past Friday, though, he recorded back-to-back multi-hit games against Augusta over the weekend to bring his slash line back up to .286/.375/.543 on the year. He is currently ranked as the No. 35 prospect in the organization.
Photo Credit: Jhostynxon Garcia by Kelly O'Connor