August 22, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Aita, Rogers stand out with strong starts; DSL playoffs begin
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Jose De Leon took the loss in his start for Worcester, allowing three earned runs on five hits (including one home run), two walks, one hit by pitch, and four strikeouts over three-plus innings. Chris Murphy and David Sandlin combined for three scoreless frames of relief, while Alex Hoppe gave up one run in the seventh. At the plate, Nick Sogard (who drew one walk) and Phillip Sikes both went 2 for 3 to account for four of their side's five hits.
Connelly Early went four-plus innings in his start for Worcester, allowing five runs (four earned) on five hits, one walk, and six strikeouts. He threw 76 pitches (50 strikes) and generated 10 whiffs. Hobie Harris and Wyatt Olds combined to surrender six additional runs out of the bullpen. Offensively, Corey Rosier went 2 for 2 with one double, one run scored, and one walk. Mikey Romero and Trayce Thompson each went 2 for 4, with the former recording one RBI and the latter driving in one run and scoring another. Kristian Campbell went 1 for 3 with one RBI, one run scored, and one walk. Nathan Hickey also drove in one run.
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Dalton Rogers put together another solid start for Portland, scattering four hits and two walks with seven strikeouts over 5 1/3 scoreless innings. He threw 86 pitches (52 strikes) and generated 12 whiffs. Yovanny Cruz (who was credited with the winning decision) and Reidis Sena (who notched the save) combined for 3 2/3 additional scoreless frames to see the shutout through to its completion. Allan Castro stood out offensively by going 2 for 3 with one RBI, one run scored, and one walk. Juan Chacon also doubled and drew one walk as part of a 2-for-3 night. Ronaldo Hernandez drove in one run, while Ahbram Liendo scored one run, drew two walks, and stole his 37th base of the year. Miguel Bleis took two walks and swiped one base as well.
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Blake Aita was effective in his start for Greenville, scattering just two hits and two walks while striking out four over six scoreless innings. He threw 78 pitches (44 strikes) and generated six whiffs. Manuel Medina gave up three runs in his 1 2/3 frames of relief and was charged with the losing decision, while Jonathan Brand retired the lone batter he faced. At the plate, Justin Riemer drew a pair of walks and was responsible for his side's only hit with a third-inning single. Mason White also took two walks.
With the loss, Greenville drops to 26-25 in the second half and moves into a three-way tie with Hub City and first-half winner Bowling Green for first place in the South Atlantic League South division standings.
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After Yhoiker Fajardo retired the first three batters he faced to begin things, this game was suspended in the middle of the first inning due to rain. It will be completed at 5:35 p.m. ET on Friday evening, and a seven-inning game (Friday's originally scheduled contest) will follow.
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The Blue squad emerged victorious in Game 1 of pool play thanks to strong pitching. Oscar Vaamonde got the start and went the first 2 2/3 innings, allowing no runs or hits while walking two and striking out one. Rony Calderon received the bulk of the work out of the bullpen and was credited with the winning decision after giving up just one earned run on four hits, two walks, and four strikeouts over 4 1/3 innings. Ranci Castillo followed with two scoreless frames to close things out. Offensively, Louis Andujar led the way by going 2 for 4 with a solo home run. Harold Rivas went 1 for 4 with an RBI single, and Andruw Zambrano drove in one run on a sacrifice fly. Josue Brito, Jostin Ogando, and Enmanuel Figuereo (who doubled) scored one run apiece.
With Thursday's win, the Blue squad starts pool play 1-0. It will take on DSL Miami on Friday and DSL Marlins on Saturday, aiming to finish with the best record in Pool D and advance to the championship bracket.
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Player of the Day: Dalton Rogers gets the nod for his exceptional night on the mound. In four starts for Portland this month, the 24-year-old lefty has posted a 2.14 ERA with 26 strikeouts to 11 walks over 21 innings in which opponents have batted .247 against him. He is currently regarded as Boston's No. 60 prospect, which ranks 36th among pitchers in the organization.
Photo Credit: Dalton Rogers by Kelly O'Connor