May 17, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Sikes homers twice, Anthony reaches five times in WooSox romp
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The WooSox took advantage of the big inning in Buffalo, scoring four in the third and three apiece in the fourth and sixth. Phillip Sikes kicked off the scoring with his first home run of the season, a two-run blast. He followed that an inning later with a solo shot. The TCU product scored another run in the sixth after a walk. Roman Anthony was a catalyst out of the leadoff spot, reaching base five times on two singles and three walks, scoring three times. Marcelo Mayer was held hitless but walked twice and scored a run. Yasmani Grandal led off the fourth with a solo homer, his second of the year.
The offensive output was more than enough for a sharp Robert Stock. The veteran right-hander went seven innings, allowing two runs on three hits. He struck out six, walked three, and lowered his ERA to 3.27. Brendan Cellucci closed things out, surrendering one run in his two innings of work.
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The Sea Dogs outhit Somerset six to five but fell on a walk-off homer in the 10th. Dalton Rogers was excellent in his Portland debut. Recently promoted from Greenville, Rogers gave up just two hits in five scoreless innings, striking out six while walking one. Jeremy Wu-Yelland did not allow any contact in his two innings of relief, striking out six of the seven batters he faced and walking the other. Zach Bryant was saddled with the loss in relief, surrendering a decisive homer on his second pitch. All of Portland's scoring came on an Mikey Romero RBI double in the seventh. Blaze Jordan had a pair of base hits while Drew Ehrhard went 1 for 3 with a walk.
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Held to two hits through the first eight innings, Greenville mounted a rally in the bottom of the ninth that ultimately fell short. Nelly Taylor tripled home Yophery Rodriguez for Greenville's first run and its only extra-base hit, and he came in to score on an Antonio Anderson hit. Andy Lugo was the only member of the Drive lineup to manage a hit during the seven innings of work by Hub City starter David Davalillo. Starter Noah Dean held the Spartanburgers to just one run on three hits in 4 2/3, but he struggled some with his command. He walked five and hit a batter while striking out three, needing 92 pitches to get those 14 outs.
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Despite an eight-run, twelve-hit effort, Salem led for only half an inning as Charleston took an advantage in the fourth that it would not relinquish. Justin Gonzales snapped out of a skid, matching his seasonal hit total. He entered 3 for 29 in Carolina League play but went 3 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. Fraymi de Leon scored three times and drove in two more as part of his three-hit effort. Freili Encarnacion hit his system-leading 10th double. On the mound, starter Austin Ehrlicher allowed three runs on four hits in 2 2/3 innings. Michael Sansone was the most effective of the Salem relievers, giving up just two hits across two scoreless innings, striking out three without issuing a walk.
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After starting off with seven consecutive losses, the FCL squad has taken victories in back-to-back contests. Yhoiker Fajardo faced just one batter over the minimum in his four scoreless innings, allowing two hits but erasing one on a double play. Fajardo struck out two and did not issue a walk. Madinson Frias got credit for the win in relief, giving up two runs (one earned) in three innings. Gerardo Rodriguez led the offense with three hits, delivering a double and a pair of RBI. Avinson Pinto was a menace out of the leadoff spot, going 2 for 4 with a triple, stolen base, RBI, and two runs scored. Enddy Azocar doubled, scored a run, and drove in another as he wend 2 for 4.
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Player of the Day: Phillip Sikes has been a consistent contributor ever since Boston selected him in the 18th round of the 2021 draft. He has appeared in 362 games spread across all three outfield positions over his five professional seasons, and the former two-way player has pitched in four contests this season, helping save the WooSox bullpen. Sikes earned SoxProspects.com All-Star recognition for his strong 2022 season. It was on May 25 of that season that Sikes last delivered a two-homer game. On Friday, he helped power the WooSox in Buffalo with his first two homers of the season and 37th and 38th of his pro career.
Photo Credit: Phillip Sikes by Kelly O'Connor