August 28, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Anthony, Teel, Campbell lead Worcester to big win
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It was an incredible offensive night for Worcester, and it started with the number one prospect. Roman Anthony continued his hot stretch with another four-hit game, his second such game in his past seven contests. The center fielder fell a home run shy of the cycle, roping two singles, a double, and a triple in addition to drawing a walk. Per Ian Cundall on Twitter, Anthony's lone out of the night was a 107-MPH lineout to shortstop. Kristian Campbell's power showed up yet again, belting a three-run homer in the third inning. Kyle Teel had a big night as well, going 1 for 2 with a double, two walks, and three RBI. He also threw out a would-be base stealer at second base. Chase Meidroth reached base five times with two singles and three walks, while Enmanuel Valdez and Eddy Alvarez each hit home runs.
Richard Fitts picked up his eighth win of the year, tossing six innings of two-run ball. He allowed five hits, punched out six, and did not issue a walk. Chase Shugart, Alex Speas, and Yohan Ramirez all threw a shutout frame to end it, with Speas punching out a pair and Ramirez striking out three.
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Mikey Romero was the bright spot for Portland on an otherwise tough night. The 18th ranked prospect in the system made his Double-A debut, and singled in his first at-bat of the night. He would later pick up his first Double-A RBI on a groundout in the third inning. He added another RBI groundout in the ninth. Alex Binelas was 2 for 4 with two singles, and Corey Rosier singled, scored, and drove in a run. Caleb Bolden was roughed up for four runs (three earned) on six hits and no strikeouts in just two innings. Juan Daniel Encarnacion also allowed four runs 2 1/3 frames, while Christopher Troye allowed three (one earned). Jonathan Brand pitched a clean frame in the eighth with two strikeouts.
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Jedixson Paez started for Greenville and had his ups and downs. He got through five innings despite allowing nine hits and four runs (three earned). On the positive side, he threw 58 strikes in 75 pitches (77%), did not walk anybody, and collected three strikeouts. Noah Dean's relief appearance did not go well, as he walked five and allowed five runs without recording an out. Cooper Adams pitched well with three scoreless innings including three strikeouts and just one walk. Miguel Bleis was the star on offense, going 3 for 4 with his sixth home run of the year, a walk, and two runs. Nelly Taylor showed up as well with three hits including two doubles and three runs knocked in.
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Salem was held to just three hits, singles off the bats of Franklin Arias, Caden Rose, and Natanael Yuten. Yuten drove in a run with his base hit. Fraymi De Leon reached on a walk, stole two bags, and scored a run. He now has 17 steals this year. Eduardo Rivera was dominant on the mound for Salem, throwing four shutout innings with just one hit allowed. He struck out eight and did not walk anybody. He now has a 1.00 ERA in 18 innings with Salem this year. Trennor O'Donnell took the loss with five runs (two earned) allowed in three innings. He struck out three. Nathanael Cruz pitched a perfect eighth inning with one strikeout.
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Player of the Day: Roman Anthony follows up his Player of the Week honor with a four-hit game. He has been on fire, running his hitting steak to eight games. During that span, he is 17 for 36 (.472) with three doubles, a triple, and three long balls.
Photo Credit: Roman Anthony by Kelly O'Connor