June 26, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Campbell debuts at first base, Aita dominates, Cespedes hits clutch home run
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The most notable part of an otherwise forgettable night for Worcester was Kristian Campbell making his professional debut at first base. Campbell worked at first base on the side with the major league staff for a little bit before being sent down, and now has his first game action under his belt. It was a tough night for Campbell at the plate, going 0 for 4 with four strikeouts. Tyler McDonough, Blaze Jordan and Corey Rosier had the only hits for the WooSox, all singles. Robert Stock got the start on the bump and tossed 5 2/3 innings of two-run ball. He struck out six and only walked one. Jovani Moran allowed one run on two hits and a walk in 1 1/3 frames before Hobie Harris gave up a run in the eighth inning. Harris walked two and struck out two.
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Zach Ehrhard started the night well for Portland with an RBI single in the first inning, but the offense did not score for the rest of the game. Ronald Rosario went 2 for 4 with his fourth double of the year, and Marvin Alcantara picked up a couple of singles. Caleb Bolden started and took the loss, surrendering three earned runs on four hits over 2 2/3 frames. He struck out two and walked two. Jack Anderson came on in relief and pitched well, allowing two earned runs across 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and no walks. A Rule 5 selection by Boston last year, the 25-year old Anderson now has 57 strikeouts and just seven walks to go along with a 2.61 ERA in 41 1/3 innings with Portland this year. Jeremy Wu-Yelland tossed a clean inning of his own, allowing no hits or walks with one strikeout.
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The Drive exploded for five runs in the top of the ninth inning, led by Nelly Taylor who singled and scored on Antonio Anderson's RBI double. Taylor also drew two walks, scored another run, and swiped three bases. Will Turner had a huge hit in that ninth inning, a two-run single to score Anderson and Yophery Rodriguez. Franklin Arias capped off the frame with an RBI single. Nazzan Zanetello went 1 for 4 with an RBI single. Blake Aita fired six shutout innings for Greenville, allowing only one hit. He also punched out a career-high eight hitters and issued just two walks. Adam Smith threw a scoreless seventh inning with one strikeout and one walk. Isaac Stebens got the final out of the game after Erik Rivera struggled with two earned runs allowed on three hits in 1 2/3 innings.
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Yoeilin Cespedes came through in the clutch, blasting a game-winning three-run home run in the bottom of the eighth inning. It was the fifth home run of the year for the 19-year old, who also added a single and another run scored to his ledger. Enddy Azocar and Kleyver Salazar each went 1 for 3 with an RBI single. Devin Futrell made his seventh start of the year and pitched very well, allowing no runs on just three hits in a season-high four innings pitched. Calvin Bickerstaff did not allow a run in his 1 2/3 frames following Futrell. Joe Vogatsky had his strikeout pitch working, fanning five in 1 2/3 innings, but he also allowed two runs on two hits and three walks. Jay Allmer got the final five outs without allowing a run or a hit to earn the win.
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Player of the Day: Blake Aita earns the honor with one of the best outings of his young career. The 22-year old from Kennesaw State had his second outing of the year with at least six innings, no runs allowed, one hit allowed, and seven or more strikeouts. In three starts with Greenville, Aita has a 1.42 ERA and a 0.79 WHIP. He is currently ranked 43rd here at SoxProspects.com
Photo Credit: Blake Aita by Kelly O'Connor