August 11, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Tolle debuts for Worcester; Garcia and Nunez deliver game-winners
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Buffalo earned a series split after jumping out to an early lead. The Triple-A debut for Payton Tolle got off to a rocky start after the Bisons got to him for six runs on two home runs in the first inning. But Tolle settled down from there and did not give up a run over the next four innings. In all, he allowed six runs (five earned) over five innings with one walk and three strikeouts with 14 whiffs. Bryan Mata followed with two scoreless frames, and Alex Hoppe and Hobie Harris had a shutout eighth and ninth inning, respectively. The offense was not able to climb out of the early hole, but Kristian Campbell continued his hot stretch. He went 2 for 3 with a two-run home run.
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The Sea Dogs fell to 3-6 in August as the bats went quiet against Harrisburg. Portland had opportunities, but went 1 for 12 with runners in scoring position. Allan Castro went 2 for 4, while Ahbram Liendo went 1 for 3 with two walks and scored the team's lone run on a wild pitch. Left-hander Hayden Mullins turned in another solid start, allowing one run on three hits over 5 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out five to lower his ERA to 2.28. The next five outs were recorded by Jacob Webb, who did not allow a hit while walking one.
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Johanfran Garcia delivered a walk-off single to give the Drive a series victory. Greenville's offense was quiet all day until Will Turner laced an RBI double to tie the game in the ninth. Andruw Musett had three of the team's five hits, and Turner also added two walks. The Emperors got to Michael Sansone for one run in the first inning, but he was dominant from there. He pitched into the seventh inning, allowing only one run on four hits with four strikeouts. Noah Dean and Jonathan Brand both got five outs, with Brand recording the win.
Greenville is currently tied with Hub City in the second-half standings, one game behind first-half champions Bowling Green. The Drive will face both the Spartanburgers and the Hot Rods in the final two series of the month.
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It was a remarkable comeback as Salem scored two in the eighth and three in the ninth for a walk-off win. Salem entered the ninth down two runs, and Starlyn Nunez ripped a bases-loaded single to center that ultimately scored three runs and ended the game after an error by the center fielder. Maximus Martin raised his average from .095 to .240 after he went 4 for 4 with four runs scored and a stolen base. Kleyver Salazar went 3 for 3 with a double, three RBI, and two walks, and Enddy Azocar went 2 for 5 with a steal. It took until his third appearance, but Jose Bello allowed an earned run in Low-A. He had an ERA of 0.00 over his first six innings, but surrendered three runs (one earned) over three frames on Sunday. He did not do himself any favors, however, as he committed both errors. The win went to Calvin Bickerstaff, who struck out four over two shutout frames.
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Player of the Day: Maximus Martin was 2 for his first 21 to start his professional career after getting drafted in the 10th round out of Kansas State. The 21-year-old rebounded in a big way on Sunday, going 4 for 4 with a walk, four runs scored, and a stolen base. Martin's current profile lists his power above his hit tool, as his approach at the plate is still developing. Martin has played both middle infield spots so far in pro ball, but he also has experience in center field. The Red Sox will give him every chance to stick at an up-the-middle spot defensively.
Photo Credit: Kristian Campbell by Kelly O'Connor