May 24, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Encarnacion, Andy Lugo power Salem win
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The WooSox squandered several opportunities, going 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position as a three-run ninth pushed the Tides to victory. Jamie Westbrook was the highlight at the plate, going 2 for 5 with a solo homer in the seventh. Starter Richard Fitts allowed one run on three hits in five innings, striking out and walking three apiece. Ryan Zeferjahn was touched for his first earned run of the season in his 12th appearance between Double-A and Triple-A. Zeferjahn's streak came to an end on a home run off the bat of top prospect Jackson Holliday.
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Bryan Mata had an encouraging if uneven day in a rehab appearance as the Sea Dogs were routed in the Thursday morning contest. Mata went three innings, allowing three runs on five hits, and striking out two without issuing a walk. The 25-year-old righty retired eight of the first nine batters he faced before things went south with two outs in the third. Isaac Coffey, pushed into the bullpen in deference to Mata's rehab, struggled in the role. He allowed six runs in 4 1/3, striking out seven, walking two, and hitting four batters. Portland's lone score came on back-to-back doubles in the third inning by Marcelo Mayer and Nick Yorke. It was Mayer's minor-league-leading 17th two-bagger of the season, extending his hitting streak to seven games.
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After plating 29 total runs in their previous two games, the Drive were held to three in Thursday's loss. Ahbram Liendo had a strong night out of the leadoff spot, going 3 for 5 with a double, RBI, run scored, and stolen base. Bryan Gonzalez extended his hitting streak to nine games with a two-hit effort, and Miguel Ugueto added a triple. Juan Daniel Encarnacion allowed three runs on five hits in five frames, walking one against five strikeouts.
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The Salem lineup took advantage of the wildness of the Fayetteville pitching, working 12 walks on its way to the system's only victory. Freili Encarnacion was a dynamo, contributing a home run, two walks, a stolen base, and three runs scored. The homer was his first since August 4, 2022 when he was in the Dominican Summer League. Andy Lugo continued his excellent play, going 2 for 4 with a walk and two stolen bases, extending his hitting streak to eight. The effort brings Lugo's season slash line to .280/.400/.420. Jhostynxson Garcia and Albert Feliz also went deep in the romp.
Blake Wehunt was the primary beneficiary on the mound of the lineup's offensive outburst. The 2023 ninth-round pick allowed one run on three hits in five innings, striking out seven while walking two. Conor Steinbaugh struck out four in three shutout innings of relief, allowing just one hit, and Royman Blanco fired a scoreless ninth.
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The FCL Sox came back to earth after winning their previous three contests. Franklin Arias did his job out of the leadoff spot, drawing three walks, stealing two bases, and scoring a run, bringing his on-base percentage on the young season to .412. Yoeilin Cespedes collected a double, while Andruw Musett stayed hot with a single and a walk. Brooks Brannon got the start at first base as he continued his rehab, going 1 for 3 with a steal and a walk. Juan Valera took the loss, giving up three runs (two earned) in 2 2/3, walking four and striking out two.
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Player of the Day: After missing all but eight games of 2023 with a back injury, Freili Encarnacion is having a resurgent season. Encarnacion signed a $1.1 million bonus as an international free agent out of Santo Domingo in January 2022, After last season's false start in his stateside debut, the 19-year-old is now hitting .297/.374/.392 through 20 games. Initially signed as a shortstop (as is everyone from Santo Domingo), Encarnacion has played primarily third base for Salem.
Photo Credit: Freili Encarnacion by Kelly O'Connor