July 30, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Garcia, Campbell lead WooSox to comeback win
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A go-ahead two-run homer by Jhostynxon Garcia in the eighth inning was the decisive blow in a series-opening win for the WooSox. Garcia put together a huge game, as he also recorded a three-run double to tie the game in the sixth inning and went 3 for 5 overall. Kristian Campbell, who was just named SoxProspects.com's Player of the Week, continued his recent hot streak with a two-run homer to center field in the fifth as part of a 2-for-4 day. Nick Sogard was 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, and two runs.
Jose De Leon struggled with his control in a shaky 3 2/3-inning outing, as he allowed three runs on six hits and five walks. Jovani Moran was sharp in 2 1/3 shutout innings of relief, striking out three batters and allowing only two hits. Zack Kelly followed him with a scoreless inning and Isaiah Campbell allowed two runs in two innings.
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Max Ferguson delivered an electric moment in the bottom of the seventh, as he came off the bench and gave the Sea Dogs the lead with a pinch-hit grand slam. Portland was down 3-0 at the time and Ferguson's clutch home run was the difference in a win for the Sea Dogs. Allan Castro was 2 for 3 with a double and a walk. On the mound, Hayden Mullins worked through some control issues to put together a solid outing. He walked four batters but struck out eight and allowed only two runs in 4 2/3 innings. The bullpen had an impressive performance, starting with Jack Anderson, who allowed an unearned run in 1 1/3 innings. He was followed by two scoreless innings from Jacob Webb and a shutout frame by Zach Bryant.
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The Drive and Dash resumed a game from July 13, in which the Dash led 2-1 in the third inning. Blake Aita had allowed two unearned runs in 2 1/3 innings up to that point. On Tuesday, Noah Dean took over in the third inning and allowed four runs (three earned) in 4 1/3 innings. He walked four and allowed one hit while striking out four. Erik Rivera gave up two runs on two hits and three walks in 2 2/3 frames. Johanfran Garcia's two-run homer in the third inning was the biggest hit of the game for the Drive, as it put them in the lead but the Greenville bats were unable to keep up with the Dash. Freili Encarnacion hit a solo home run in the ninth inning and was 1 for 4.
After a scoreless three innings to start the game, Yophery Rodriguez kicked off the scoring by driving a two-run homer to right field in the fourth inning. Rodriguez was 2 for 4 and is now hitting .227/.330/.357 in Greenville. Hudson White drove in a pair of runs, collecting a sacrifice fly in the fourth and an RBI single in the sixth. Antonio Anderson was 2 for 4 and scored two runs. Austin Erlicher threw four strong innings, allowing one run on four hits and a walk while fanning five batters. Adam Smith allowed a run in two innings of relief and Jonathan Brand threw a 1-2-3 inning to close out the game.
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Steven Brooks had one of his best performances of the season on Tuesday night, as he threw 4 2/3 innings of one-run ball. He struck out seven batters without allowing a walk and he gave up four hits to the Hillcats. Adam Bates was erratic in relief, allowing three runs on three hits and four walks in 2 1/3 innings. Jay Allmer picked up the save with two scoreless frames. Starlyn Nunez was Salem's standout performer offensively, as he went 2 for 4 with a solo home run. Yoeilin Cespedes knocked a two-run triple in the seventh inning as part of a 1-for-5 game. Catcher Kleyver Salazar put Salem ahead for good with an RBI single in the eighth.
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Diomar Hidalgo could not be stopped in a win for the DSL Blue squad. The shortstop was 3 for 3 with a double, two walks, and three runs scored. Louis Andujar was 1 for 4 with a solo home run and a walk. Second baseman Edwin Darville was 1 for 3 with two walks. Juan Medina drew the start and pitched four innings, allowing four runs on four hits and two walks. Michael Manjarres was tagged for three runs despite not allowing a hit in 1 1/3 innings and he walked three batters. Yomar De La Rosa threw 3 2/3 perfect innings and struck out two batters to finish the game.
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The DSL Red team was unable to push many runs across despite walking 11 times on Tuesday. Third baseman Givian Sirvania recorded the only extra base hit of the game with an RBI triple in the seventh inning. Jhonny Osta was 1 for 3 with a run scored and he drove in a run on a hit by pitch. Yohandry Gonzales started and allowed four runs on five hits and three walks in 2 2/3 innings. Felix Belisario allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings and Charlie Zink allowed three runs in an inning of work. Jesus Martinez put together the Red team's strongest pitching performance as he threw three shutout innings. Allan Griman allowed two runs (one earned) in an inning, walking three batters.
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Player of the Day: Jhostynxon Garcia's monster game was a huge part of Worcester's comeback win on Tuesday night. He helped bring the WooSox back into the game with a three-run double in the sixth and then blasted a two-run, go-ahead home run in the eighth inning. Overall, he was 3 for 5 with two runs scored and five RBI. Garcia, who is fifth on the recently-updated system rankings, has been excellent through 49 games in Worcester this season. The Password is now hitting .299/.370/.546 with 12 home runs.
Photo Credit: Jhostynxon Garcia by Kelly O'Connor