Cup of Coffee: Worcester wins a slugfest in the season finale

9/22 Cup of Coffee: In the final game of the minor league season for Boston's affiliates, the WooSox held on in a high-scoring affair. All eyes will turn to the major league squad as they battle for a playoff spot. The next game action from the prospects will come when the Arizona Fall League kicks off on October 6. 

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Worcester Red Sox 9, Rochester Red Wings (WAS) 8

A 15-hit offensive attack helped overcome a shaky bullpen. Nathan Hickey kicked off the scoring with a solo home run in the first, and he added a bases-loaded walk in the fourth. Max Ferguson (pictured) went 3 for 5 with a double and two steals, while Mikey Romero went 2 for 4 with an RBI single and a sacrifice fly. Phillip Sikes went 3 for 4 with a walk, and Karson Simas went 2 for 3 with a walk as nine players collected at least one hit. 

Starter Shane Drohan cruised through the first three innings before he ran into trouble in the fourth. In all, he allowed two runs (one earned) through 3 2/3 innings while striking out seven and generating 15 whiffs. David Sandlin allowed two runs in 1 1/3 innings, and Noah Song and Isaiah Campbell both allowed two runs. Campbell got the save as he was able to leave the bases loaded in the top of the ninth. 

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Player of the Day: Max Ferguson filled up the box score, going 3 for 5 with a double, two steals, and two runs scored. The 26-year-old posted a solid .279/.343/.459 line in a 19-game stint with Worcester to end the season. Originally drafted in 2021 by the Padres, Ferguson is eligible for the Rule 5 draft this December. He has not posted a full-season OPS over .700 since 2022, and he figures to return to the upper minors next season, looking to build off this good run with the WooSox. 

Photo Credit: Max Ferguson by Kelly O'Connor

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