July 31, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Casas returns, Garcia, Gasper go deep
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Triston Casas is back. In his first action in about three months, he went 0 for 3 with two strikeouts and a walk. He was the designated hitter. Mickey Gasper went 2 for 4 with a home run and three RBI to push his WooSox OPS to 1.105. Mark Contreras had a perfect night at the plate, putting up twos across the board. He was 2 for 2 with a two-bagger, two walks, two runs, two RBI, and his...22nd stolen base of the season. Enmanuel Valdez and Nick Sogard each had two hits and two RBI, while Nathan Hickey belted his 10th home run of the season. Chase Shugart surrendered four runs on six hits and three walks over the first three frames, striking out three. Lucas Luetge picked up the win with two shutout innings with three strikeouts and no walks. Luis Guerrero added a scoreless ninth with one strikeout.
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Elih Marrero was the hero in this one, roping an RBI single in the bottom of the 10th inning. The walk-off hit came after a game-tying RBI single from Philip Sikes, who was 3 for 5 with a double on the night. Tyler McDonough had a great night, going 2 for 4 with a double and his fourth long ball of the season. Corey Rosier was 2 for 3 with a walk, an RBI single, and two stolen bases, while Kyle Teel had two walks and a go-ahead sacrifice fly in the seventh frame. Wikelman Gonzalez started and tossed four innings, allowing two runs on four hits. He punched out four and walked three. Caleb Bolden, Zach Bryant, and Theo Denlinger each threw two innings with one run allowed, although Denlinger's was unearned.
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Jhostynxon Garcia led the charge for the Drive offensively, going 3 for 5 with his 14th home run of the season. Luis Ravelo also blasted his fourth homer of the year. Justin Riemer, Ronald Rosario, and Mikey Romero each went 2 for 4, with Riemer roping a double. Dalton Rogers started and turned in a very good outing, allowing just two runs (one earned) over five innings on four hits. He struck out six, the second time he has reached that mark this season. Nathan Landry threw a scoreless frame with one strikeout, while Jeremy Wu-Yelland struck out three with no walks and one run allowed in 1 2/3 innings.
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This game was called after six innings due to rain. The Sox had just five hits, including a triple from Freili Encarnacion. He would come around to score on an RBI single by Andy Lugo. Lugo and Encarnacion each stole bases as well. Nazzan Zanetello was 1 for 3 with a single. Matt Duffy took the tough loss, giving up just two runs over 4 2/3 innings. He punched out five and walked a pair. Denis Reguillo did not allow a run in 1 1/3 innings of work with one strikeout and no walk.
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The two DSL squads faced off against each other in a seven-inning contest. Leadoff hitter Givian Sirvania led the charge for the Blue team's offense, reaching base in all four trips to the plate. The 16-year old outfielder went 2 for 2 with two walks and his 14th stolen base of the year. Ilan Fernandez went 2 for 3 with an RBI and a stolen base, while Yoiber Ruiz went 2 for 3 with a pair of singles, two runs scored, and a stolen base. Vladimir Asencio added an RBI single, a walk, and a stolen base. Abis Prado started on the mound and went three innings, surrendering just one run with two strikeouts and four walks. Luis Cabrera finished off the final four innings, allowing just one unearned run with two strikeouts and one walk.
For the Red team, Enddy Azocar had the best offensive day, going 1 for 2 with a single, a walk, an RBI, and a run scored. Avinson Pinto went 1 for 2 with a walk as well, Christopher Alvarado walked a couple of times, and Edwin Brito roped an RBI single. Merlin Bido went the first three innings and took the loss, allowing three earned runs on five hits and three walks with a pair of strikeouts. Greider Colina gave up just one run in two innings of work, and Raphy Gil fired a scoreless sixth inning with one strikeout and no free passes.
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Player of the Day: Jhostynxon Garica gets the nod with a season-high six total bases. The 21-year old outfielder has spent time with Salem and Greenville this year, hitting a combined .280/.353/.576 in 67 games. His power has been terrific all season, but it has seen a jump with Greenville. He is slugging .607 in 43 games with the Drive after slugging .517 with Salem. The 2019 international free agent signing is currently ranked 23rd in the system.
Photo Credit: Jhostynxon Garcia by Kelly O'Connor