September 7, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Early goes six shutout; Alcantara goes yard in blowout loss
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There was rain all around Rochester, as the game started late due to weather and was halted in the top of the eighth, never to begin again. Kristian Campbell was on first base with two outs. The scoring got done early, as each team had its runs by the end of the second. Baserunners were sparse, as the squads combined to work six walks and register 10 hits, just one of which went for extra bases. It was an uneven night for Hunter Dobbins, who allowed all three runs on six hits and two walks over 4 2/3 innings, though he did register four strikeouts. Brian Van Belle handled the final 2 1/3 frames, with just one walk on his ledger. He also struck out five.
Worcester is tied for first place in the International League East Division with Scranton/Wilkes-Barre but is in a three-way tie five games behind Columbus for the league's second-half playoff berth.
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Connelly Early twirled a gem, scattering a pair of hits over six shutout innings, striking out nine hitters in the process. He didn't walk a batter and faced just three over the minimum, setting the scene for another Sea Dogs win over their southern neighbors. He was followed by Christopher Troye, who kept the shutout going over his 1 2/3 innings of work, though he did deal with plenty of traffic, walking a pair and surrendering an additional knock. Philip Sikes and Alex Binelas, who added a double, each had two hits.
Portland is a half-game up on Somerset for the Eastern League's Northeast Division lead. The only other team in contention, Hartford, is two-and-a-half back and won the first half, which means the Sea Dogs must finish in front of Somerset for a playoff berth.
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The Drive went into the ninth tied 4-4 but gave up a run in the top half. However, Zach Ehrhard doubled to tie the contest and he came around on an infield single by Bryan Gonzalez, who was 2 for 5, for a walk-off win. Juan Chacon also added a pair of two-baggers. Four runs came across on Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, who allowed just three hits but walked four over four innings of work. However, he did register eight punchouts. Max Carlson handled the final five frames with just one run allowed. He also struck out five.
Bowling Green has clinched the South Atlantic League's South Division, which means Greenville won't go to the playoffs.
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Salem was down 3-2 after six innings, but it all fell apart from there. Kannapolis snagged seven runs in the seventh and two more in the ninth for good measure, leaving no doubt in a blowout loss as the Red Sox committed three errors. The top six hitters in the lineup each had a hit, including Marvin Alcantara's two-run homer in the fourth, but the bottom third of the lineup was 0 for 11 with six strikeouts. The Salem lineup went down on strikes 14 times. Cole Tolbert, who tossed three innings of relief, was the only pitcher to get more than one out and not allow a run.
Fredericksburg has secured the North Division title in the Carolina League, eliminating Salem from postseason play.
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Player of the Day: Connelly Early was promoted to Portland at the end of July following a strong start to his first full professional season in Greenville, where he proved too advanced for the level after three years in the collegiate ranks. However, he had struggled with run prevention over his first seven outings in Portland, pitching to a 5.17 ERA, though he was using his ability to change speeds and control his pitches to record a high strikeout total. However, that changed on Friday, as he scattered just a pair of hits over six shutout innings in what was unquestionably his best outing as a member of the Sea Dogs, recording nine punchouts along the way. It was the first time he had completed six innings in Portland while he tied a career-high for strikeouts.
Photo Credit: Connelly Early by Kelly O'Connor