But Marcelo Mayer homered.
The Red Sox were off last night in the middle of their series in Baltimore. Worcester played baseball, though, but I’m saddened to inform you they got shelled, though the score looks better than the reality. Much like their Major League counterparts, I wouldn’t hit the panic button on some of these struggling prospects yet, nor would I be very concerned about Brayan Bello’s progress, but I would get used to this rotation as stands for a few more weeks. Welll…. Let’s get into it.
Worcester: L, 5-10 (BOX SCORE)
After missing all of Spring Training due to an ailing shoulder and starting the season in Worcester with a rehab assignment, Brayan Bello struggled in his first appearance in Jacksonville against the Jumbo Shrimp (Marlins AAA), being limited to less than fifty pitches and giving up four runs. Hunter Dobbins was even more challenged, taking the game into the later innings but giving up three home runs in the process to take this game out of contention at 8-1, with the one run being a solo shot by Vaughn Grissom to open the scoring up in the 2nd. The WooSox did storm back to make it look presentable in the top of the sixth, as Marcelo Mayer had his first home run of the season. But, ultimately, 13 strikeouts at the plate (against gaining just two walks) and stranding seven, most in a potential scoring situation, was the thorn in the WooSox’s side.
It was ultimately Hunter Dobbins’ faltering on the mound that cost the WooSox this game, but do not panic. I still fully expect him to make his Major League debut this season, as I stated over the winter, though his ever-present walks ended up costing him.
Some pleasant bright spots: Nate Eaton with multiple hits at the bottom of the WooSox lineup. It’s strange to see Eaton batting ninth under some strong-defense guys with notable weak bats, but maybe it is an emulation of the Red Sox lineup, where Ceddanne Rafaela turns the lineup over. And, by the way, speaking of the one-spot in the lineup, Roman Anthony continues to get on base in the leadoff spot, leading the game off with a triple but failing to score.
Have a happy Wednesday!