September 20, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Hickey highlights night of rallies, but WooSox fall in extras
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Worcester came back from being down 2-0 in the fourth, 4-2 in the sixth, and 7-4 in the ninth, but a wild pitch and sacrifice fly scored the automatic runner in the 10th. Washington's Josiah Gray was a stiff test for the WooSox in his rehab start, going 2 2/3 hitless frames, but he was matched by Worcester starter Isaac Coffey. Coffey did not allow a hit for the first 3 2/3 innings, but Rochester's first knock was a two-run homer. That was the only hit the right-hander allowed in four innings, as he struck out two and walked three. Chadwick Tromp ripped a two-run double in the bottom half of the fourth to knot the game at two apiece. Tromp was 2 for 5 on the evening. Bryan Mata went two innings, allowing two runs (one earned) on two hits. This could be Mata's final outing with the Red Sox organization. He will be a minor league free agent in November after ten years in the system. Karson Simas delivered another two-run, game-tying double, evening things at 4-4 in the sixth.
After a scoreless inning apiece from Nick Burdi and Luis Guerrero, Rochester reached Alex Hoppe for three in the ninth. Yet again, Worcester responded with a two-run double, this time off the bat of Nathan Hickey (pictured). Hickey, who also singled twice on the night, was lifted for pinch runner Phillip Sikes, who raced home on a Tyler McDonough base hit to send the game to extra innings. Despite not allowing a hit, Hobie Harris took the loss, as an ill-timed wild pitch set up a sacrifice fly that proved to be the difference.
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Player of the Day: Nathan Hickey has been a model of stability on a Worcester roster that has often found itself in transition. The 25-year-old former Florida Gator was on base four times Friday, going 3 for 4 with a walk in addition to his two-run double. Hickey leads all Worcester players in hits with 104 and RBI with 73.
Photo Credit: Nathan Hickey by Kelly O'Connor