April 16, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Anthony, Grissom lead the way in Worcester win
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After falling behind early, the WooSox bats came to life with a four-run fourth inning, highlighted by a two-run double by Nathan Hickey and an RBI double by Vaughn Grissom (pictured). Grissom drove in two more runs on a fielder's choice in the sixth and another double in the eighth, going 4 for 6 with three two-baggers altogether. Roman Anthony reached base five times out of the leadoff slot, going 2 for 3 with three walks. Hickey, Abraham Toro, and Trayce Thompson also put together multi-hit performances as the Worcester lineup collected 14 hits in total. Newly-signed catcher Yasmani Grandal made his first appearance with the WooSox, starting behind the plate and going 0 for 5 with a strikeout.
Left-hander Shane Drohan started on the mound for the WooSox and he was in total command. The only hit that Drohan allowed in his five innings of work was a solo shot to Trey Lipscomb. Drohan struck out seven and walked two, throwing 50 strikes on 78 pitches. In relief, Luis Guerrero threw two scoreless innings and Bryan Mata allowed one run in two innings.
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The Portland lineup got off to a roaring start, scoring five times in the first inning on a two-run single by Jhostynxon Garcia, an RBI double by Blaze Jordan, and a two-run double by Corey Rosier. The Sea Dogs picked up two more runs on a second-inning double by Jordan, who was 2 for 4 with three RBI on the night. While the Portland lineup was unable to generate any more runs after the second inning, the Sea Dogs were able to hang onto the lead. Sixth-ranked prospect Mikey Romero was 1 for 3 with two walks, scoring two runs.
Lucas Giolito drew the start for Portland, making the third appearance of his rehab assignment as he returns from a hamstring injury that he suffered in spring training. However, Giolito was only able to last two innings, throwing 60 pitches (33 for strikes). Giolito allowed three runs on five hits and three walks, punching out four hitters. After a scoreless inning by Christopher Troye, 10th-ranked prospect Connelly Early served as the follower in this game. Early tossed four dominant innings of relief, allowing one run on two hits while striking out eight. Early picked up his first win of the season and has flashed impressive stuff in his first two appearances, striking out 15 batters in 7 2/3 innings. Caleb Bolden picked up the save, surrendering one run in two innings.
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After struggling in the first start of his professional career last week, 2024 second-rounder Payton Tolle settled in for a much stronger performance in his second start with the Drive. Tolle pitched four innings, allowing one run on three hits and a walk while striking out five. Dalton Rogers followed Tolle with four solid innings of his own, giving up two runs (one earned) while striking out three. Jeremy Wu-Yelland closed out the win with a shutout inning, striking out two.
The Drive got off to an early five-run lead as Yophery Rodriguez capped a second-inning rally by belting a three-run homer to right-center. Second baseman Marvin Alcantara was the standout performer for Greenville as he reached base five times in the game, going 4 for 4 with four singles and a walk. Miguel Bleis was 1 for 3 with two walks and an RBI.
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The Red Sox dropped the series opener against Lynchburg in a back-and-forth slugfest. The Salem pitching staff was never able to contain the Hillcats' bats, as they started the game by scoring in each of the first three innings. In total, starting pitcher Steven Brooks allowed three runs on three hits and four walks in 4 1/3 innings. None of Salem's relief pitchers had an answer for the Hillcats either, as Nicholas Judice, Eybersson Polanco, and Michael Sansone each allowed multiple runs.
While it was a night to forget for Salem's pitchers, some of the team's hitting prospects showed off their potential on Tuesday night. Yoelin Cespedes was 2 for 4 with two triples, scoring one run and driving in two. Fifth-ranked prospect Franklin Arias continued his hot start by going 2 for 5 with two runs and an RBI, a performance which actually lowered his batting average to .410 this season. Third baseman Antonio Anderson was 2 for 5 with one walk, one run, and two RBI.
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Player of the Day: There was some serious competition for Player of the Day among both pitchers and hitters but Vaughn Grissom's combination of on-base ability and extra-base power gave him the edge among Red Sox minor leaguers on Tuesday night. Starting at second base for the WooSox, Grissom was 4 for 6 with three doubles, one run, and three RBI. Grissom has been off to a hot start through 13 games in Worcester this season, hitting .340/.400/.520 with three doubles and two home runs. However, it is not clear when Grissom will receive another major league opportunity with second-ranked prospect and fellow second baseman Kristian Campbell thriving in Boston.
Photo Credit: Vaughn Grissom by Kelly O'Connor