August 12, 2026 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Streaking Primera powers RidgeYaks
8/13 Cup of Coffee: It was a busy Wednesday down on the farm, with extra baseball for the stateside cohort and one of the DSL teams in action during that circuit's usual off day. Franklin Primera (pictured) had another monster effort to lead Salem, ripping four hits. Greenville split its de facto doubleheader following Tuesday's rain interruption. Worcester snapped its first string of consecutive losses in nearly a month with a come-from-behind win, while Portland could not overcome an early deficit.
-----
All four of Worcester's hits were doubles as the WooSox clawed back for the win in Wednesday's matinee at Polar Park. Jason Delay delivered the key hit, an RBI double in the seventh that snapped a 1-1 tie. Mickey Gasper had a two-bagger in his follow-up to Tuesday's four-hit effort, while Kristian Campbell and Braiden Ward had a double apiece. Franklin Arias was held to a rare hitless afternoon, but he did draw a pair of walks. A quintet of hurlers scattered eight hits to hold the Bisons at bay. Jason Brebbia got the first call, allowing a run on three hits in two innings. Hobie Harris was outstanding in relief, giving up one hit in three shutout innings. He struck out four without walking a batter. All four outs recorded by Tyler Samaniego came via the strikeout, sandwiching three base hits in 1 1/3 frames. Wyatt Olds earned the win with his 1 2/3 shutout innings, and Angel Bastardo fired a scoreless ninth for the save. Bastrdo did walk one batter, the first free pass he'd issued since June 26.
With the win, Worcester passes Scranton to move into second place in the International League second half standings, sitting a half-game behind Indianapolis.
-----
The Sea Dogs fell into an early 8-0 hole that they were not able to dig out of. Yoeilin Cespedes snapped a 1-for-25 skid to start his Double-A career by going 2 for 4 with homer. Nelly Taylor also went deep, connecting on a three-run shot in the fifth. Max Ferguson reached base three times, going 2 for 3 with a walk and a double. Starter Jeremy Wu-Yelland suffered the loss, surrendering five runs in 1 1/3 innings. It was a tough introduction to the Sox system for right-handed hurler Morgan McSweeney as he gave up five scores in two frames.
The loss keeps Portland two games behind Reading in the Northeast Division race.
-----
Tuesday's contest is Spartanburg was halted in the third inning after Greenville had jumped out to an early 5-0 lead. The Drive netted a pair of consequential insurance runs after play resumed, allowing them to withstand a six-run sixth-inning rally. Every member of the Drive lineup recorded at least one hit. Antonio Anderson led the way, going 2 for 4 with two doubles and a walk. Carlos Guttierez doubled and walked as part of his two-hit effort, while Isaiah Jackson had a three-run homer before rain on Tuesday. Jake Schaffner and Owen Hull had two hits apiece, with Schaffner also drawing a free pass.
Alex Bouchard pitched two shutout innings, allowing one hit and striking out two without issuing a walk. Adam Bates took over when play resumed Wednesday, cruising through his first three scoreless innings but running into trouble in the sixth. All four batters he faced in the frame reached base, and all four came on to score. Joey Gartrell allowed three inherited runners to score and then two of his own, but he settled in and pitched a scoreless seventh, getting credit for the win. Two scoreless innings by Matt McShane secured the save.
In stark contrast to the completed game, Greenville could find only two hits in the regularly scheduled contest. Isaiah Jackson did go deep once again, this time delivering a solo shot in the second inning. Gerardo Rodriguez had the Drive's other hit. Marcus Phillips went the first four innings, allowing a run on three hits, striking out six against three walks. Brandon Neely returned from the injured list to throw two innings, giving up one run on two hits. Aaron Nixon, signed as a minor league free agent on Tuesday after being released by the Yankees, took the loss in his Greenville debut. Nixon recorded two outs in the bottom of the seventh, but a bounding ground ball to second with a man on third scored the game-winning run.
Despite a second-half record of 22-22, Greenville sits only a half game behind Winston-Salem (CWS) for a playoff spot.
-----
Franklin Primera powered Salem with a four-hit effort on Wednesday night. Primera's four hits included a run-scoring knock that was generously scored a triple, the first of his professional career. The effort extends his hitting streak to 10 games and his on-base streak to 19. Andrews Opata was 2 for 4 with a three-run homer in the seventh that blew the contest wide open. Colton Coates is still searching for his first professional hit, but he walked twice and scored both times in the win. Christian Foutch allowed one run on just one hit in his four innings of work, striking out five and walking four. Nicholas Judice returned to the mound from 2025 Tommy John surgery, making his first appearance since May 20 of last season. Judice got credit for the win, allowing two runs on four hits in 1 2/3 innings, striking out two without issuing a walk. Ethan Walker was dominant over the final 3 1/3 to get the save. He allowed just one hit, striking out four while walking one.
Fayetteville also won on Wednesday, which keeps Salem a half-game back in the Carolina League North.
-----
A dramatic bases-clearing double by Gustavo Antunez in the seventh (final) inning gave the Red squad the come-from-behind victory. Antunez finished the afternoon 2 for 4. Axel Herrera was on base three times, going 2 for 3 with a walk, RBI, and run scored. Isaac Brujan submitted a strong start, giving up just two hits across four shutout innings, striking out one while walking three. Jose Alexandro picked up the win in relief.
-----
Player of the Day: After a relatively slow start in his introduction to the Carolina League, Franklin Primera has been one of the hottest prospects in the minors. During his 19-game on-base streak, the 19-year-old backstop is 29 for 67 (.433) with 12 walks, 10 RBI, and 19 runs scored. His OBP and slugging average with the RidgeYaks are both inching toward the .500 mark, with a slash line since the June promotion of .340/.471/.495.
Photo Credit: Franklin Primera by Kelly O'Connor