Cup of Coffee: It's Worcester's show from here

9/14 Cup of Coffee: It was a disappointing end to the 2026 season for Portland, as the rain that pounded the Northeast on Sunday was enough to wash out the season finale, ending the Sea Dogs' season prematurely. However, Worcester was able to get its contest in and finished its penultimate series in style, as Allan Castro (pictured) was 3 for 5 with two home runs, including the go-ahead blast in the top of the ninth. He hit two of Worcester's four home runs, as Tsu-Che Cheng and Vinnie Capra each left the yard, as well. The win kept Worcester on the periphery of the playoff race with six games to go, all of which are at home against Durham.

-----

Worcester Red Sox 8, Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 7

The WooSox scored a pair each in the second and third, but the hosts retook the lead with a four-run sixth. However, Allan Castro played the hero, knocking a two-run home run in the top of the ninth to snag victory from the jaws of defeat. That capped off a 3-for-5 performance for the 23-year-old, two of which left the yard, as he also hit a big fly in the seventh. The top of the lineup did plenty of damage, as Franklin Arias, hitting in the No. 2 hole, as well as leadoff hitter Vinny Capra, had two hits, including a homer for Capra, joining three-hitter Castro's explosion. Tsu-Che Cheng also went yard, with a two-run shot to get the scoring started in the first. Gage Ziehl gave his team length, pitching 5 2/3 innings, as he allowed four runs on five hits. He did not walk an IronPig, but struck out eight of them. Sam McWilliams was credited with the win and he completed the contest, with two clean innings that featured a pair of strikeouts.

Rochester is alone atop the International League standings with six games to go. Worcester sits three back, with Indianapolis, Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and Syracuse between them.

-----

Binghamton Rumble Ponies (NYM) vs. Portland Sea Dogs, Cancelled (Weather)

Saturday night's 1-0 victory ended up being the swan song for Portland's season, as the wet weather rolling through the Northeast was enough to wash out Sunday's contest. The Sea Dogs finished the 2026 season at 71-65.

-----

Player of the Day: Even though there was only one game, Allan Castro's performance would be player of the day almost every time. The 23-year-old, ranked No. 34 in the system, knocked two home runs, driving in the tying and go-ahead runs in the ninth with his second big fly, as part of a 3-for-5 day. They were his 11th and 12th homers of the season, as he raised his OPS to .687.

Photo Credit: Allan Castro by Kelly O'Connor

Tweet