June 5, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Jordan rips first career Triple-A home run in Worcester's big win
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Blaze Jordan had a memorable game, blasting his first career Triple-A home run as his parents were being interviewed on the broadcast. The first baseman added a double too as part of his 2-for-4 afternoon. He now has a 1.444 OPS in a pair of games with the WooSox. Nathan Hickey also belted a three-run homer in the first inning to extend Worcester's early lead to 7-0. Nate Eaton was 2 for 4 with a double and two RBI, while Vaughn Grissom and Nick Sogard each went 2 for 4, with Grissom hitting his fourth home run of the year. Brian Van Belle spun a gem on the mound, tossing seven innings of one-run ball. He punched out five and did not walk anybody, lowering his ERA to 2.29 for the season. This is the third time in his last four starts lasting at least seven innings. Zach Penrod pitched well again, throwing 1 2/3 shutout frames with two strikeouts and no walks. He has yet to allow a run in four games this year. Jose Adames got the final out, striking out the only batter he faced on three pitches.
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David Sandlin delivered a quality start despite taking the loss, allowing three runs over six innings. The right-hander struck out six, walked a pair, and generated 18 whiffs. Reidis Sena followed with two shutout innings with one strikeout and no walks. His ERA is down to 2.75 in 13 appearances. Yovanny Cruz pitched the ninth and allowed a run. The Sea Dogs offense only had five hits, as Mark Kolozsvary had the only multi-hit night with a single and a double. Tyler Miller went 1 for 3 with a walk and scored both runs. Corey Rosier doubled and walked as well.
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Greenville doubled up Rome in the hit column with eight, but went just 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Justin Riemer reached base four times, going 2 for 3 with two singles, a walk, and a run scored. Antonio Anderson and Hudson White each went 2 for 4, and Franklin Arias drove in the only run with an RBI double. Payton Tolle took the loss, surrendering four earned runs over six innings. However, he flashed his incredible swing-and-miss stuff once again with eight strikeouts and just one walk. This is the third time in his last six outings where he has struck out at least eight. The Drive bullpen was terrific, starting with Michael Sansone who fired two hitless innings with one strikeout and no walks. Matt McShane tossed a perfect ninth inning with two strikeouts.
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Starlyn Nunez had a nice game at the plate, going 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single. Justin Gonzales ripped a single and swiped his fifth base. Kleyver Salazar and Fraymi De Leon had the other two hits for Salem, both singles. Steven Brooks started and lasted 5 1/3 innings, allowing two runs on just two hits. He struck out three and walked three. Griffin Kilander had a wild outing, walking five in 2 2/3 innings with only 26 of his 62 pitches going for strikes. He managed to escape with no runs allowed, as he did not allow a hit and struck out four. Nathanael Cruz tossed a clean ninth with two strikeouts.
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Player of the Day: In Worcester, Blaze Jordan has continued the tear he was on in Double-A. He hit .390/.490/.671 with six home runs and 24 RBI in May. The 22-year old was selected by the Red Sox in the third round in 2020 out of high school. He is currently ranked 38th here at SoxProspects.com.
Photo Credit: Blaze Jordan by Kelly O'Connor