June 8, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Ziehl strikes out eight; Brannon and Rosario go deep
6/8 Cup of Coffee: The pitching led the way in the upper minors, with Michael Sansone and Gage Ziehl (pictured) earning victories. A moonshot home run from Brooks Brannon helped Ziehl's case in Portland, while Kleyver Salazar and Avinson Pinto showed off their power for Salem.
-----
The WooSox extended their winning streak to four games behind a solid start from Michael Sansone. The left-hander allowed two runs over five innings while walking one and striking out five to earn his second win. Both Kyle Keller and Wyatt Olds notched their fifth straight scoreless appearance. Keller got the hold, while Olds struck out three in the ninth to earn his first save. Leadoff man Braiden Ward did it all on Sunday, going 2 for 4 with two doubles, an RBI, a run scored, and an outfield assist. Matt Lloyd drove in two runs with a single, and Vinny Capra went 1 for 3 with a sacrifice fly.
-----
Portland's pitching staff carried it to a series tie. Starter Gage Ziehl allowed only one run over his six frames, walking one and striking out eight. Max Carlson followed with two scoreless innings while striking out three, and Reidis Sena picked up his fifth save as he worked around a hit and a walk in the ninth. Solo home runs from Ronald Rosario and Brooks Brannon was all the offense the Sea Dogs would need. Brannon finished 1 for 2 with two walks, while Marvin Alcantara went 2 for 3.
-----
Greenville Drive @ Rome Emperors (ATL), Canceled (rain)
The series finale between Greenville and Rome got canceled and will not be made up. This was Greenville's only trip to Rome this season, though the Emperors will be in Greenville August 25-30.
-----
Salem mounted a late comeback but ultimately fell short against Wilson. A grand slam from Kleyver Salazar in the eighth brought Salem within two, but they could not get it any closer. Salazar finished 3 for 5 and scored three runs. Avinson Pinto was the other star offensively, going 2 for 4 with a home run, triple, and three RBI. The pitching staff struggled overall, but it was a solid Salem debut for Yermain Ruiz. After five games in the FCL in May, he allowed two runs (one earned) over 3 2/3 frames with one walk and five strikeouts.
-----
Player of the Day: Gage Ziehl struck out eight and allowed only one run over six innings to pick up the win for Portland. The 23-year-old was acquired from the White Sox in the trade that sent David Sandlin to Chicago. It has been an up-and-down season for Ziehl, but he has sprinkled in some very strong starts. The fact that he stifled the Yard Goats is a big step, as he had allowed 11 runs over 10 innings in his previous two starts against them.
Photo Credit: Gage Ziehl by Kelly O'Connor