The outfielder, hitting leadoff, went 3-for-4 and led the game off with a double in his Triple-A debut.
While I have a platform and before we get into the games, I implore you to give to the Jimmy Fund if you are able to during this year’s Red Sox telethon. I have a close relation to the cause; my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer in April, and although the prognosis is excellent and she’s trudging along like I know she can, the expertise and research by the doctors and scientists at institutions like Dana Farber make the process much easier and seamless than anyone would expect. My mom is my rock, my biggest supporter, and someone I talk to every day; I love her and couldn’t imagine life without her. The work the Dana Farber Institute does day-in and day-out (even though my mom is getting treatment in Florida) makes it possible for me to have as many days as I can with her in good health. To medical practitioners and oncologists everywhere, I thank you for your tireless work.
Worcester: W, 4-3 (BOX SCORE)
Again, I know why you’re here. Shane Drohan, of course. The embattled pitcher actually had a decent night, albeit not an especially long one, and Wyatt Olds and Zach Penrod had their best outings in Worcester thus far too against the Iron Pigs (Phillies AAA). Well, that’s about it, right?
Kidding! Look at how awesome this lineup looks right now… and that’s Roman Anthony who started things off for the night with a leadoff double. The 20-year-old had hits in each of his first three at bats, and Triston Casas, who’s gotta be nearing the end of his rehab time, drove him in with a mammoth home run in the very first inning. The game stayed 2-1 for a while, but Vaughn Grissom opened it up with a shot of his own in the sixth. Chase Meidroth had an RBI hit to make it 4-1.
While Mayer hasn’t quite recovered from some shoulder inflammation, his appearance in this lineup is imminent. And let’s get excited Kyle Teel’s emergence, too, despite him going hitless with two strikeouts (though one had to be challenged.) One of the three had a quote Monday that he didn’t realize how close Worcester is to Boston; that realization has more than one meaning.
Portland, Game 1: W, 5-2 (BOX SCORE)
Welcome to Double-A, Allan Castro and Jhonstynxon Garcia! After lighting up Greenville consistently, the time has come for them to fill some massive shoes in Portland… or rather, in Binghamton (Mets AA) for this road series. They were aided by Connelly Early and Brendan Cellucci each having really applaudable outings in game one of a double-header; the difference-maker was a tie-breaking final-inning home run by fellow new promotion Drew Ehrhard. The first baseman, not to be forgotten, had three hits on the night and finished a double (yes, a double) short of the cycle.
Portland, Game 2: W, 4-2 (BOX SCORE)
Two games, two wins! Fortunately, the Sea Dogs were able to overcome Juan Daniel Encarnacion’s shaky start. He’s got potential and a nice 10-4 slider, but he’s not clicking in AA. Onto some positives: Kristian Campbell made the most of his new lead-off status with two walks and a triple. Elih Marrero had what ended up being a huge two consecutive steals to get driven in by Corey Rosier (who’s more versed in Portland, following a demotion) and also had another two-out RBI. Things got scary with bases juiced and no outs in the bottom of the seventh and final inning, but Chris Troye came in and slammed the door.
Greenville: L, 2-6 (BOX SCORE)
Not to be confused with his aforementioned brother, this year’s fourth-round pick, Zach Ehrhard out of Oklahoma State, had one of two RBIs on Tuesday night for Greenville as they fell to the IronBirds (Orioles High-A) in pretty convincing fashion. This game could have been much uglier if skip Iggy Suarez didn’t pull Elmer Rodriguez-Cruz, usually a consistently dependable arm, after loading the bases in the second inning. Not that I like the idea of gassing a bullpen, but it could have been a lot worse. Following Garcia and Castro’s promotions, the biggest bat to watch may be Bryan Gonzalez, a utility infielder that spends most of his time at first; he had two hits on the night.
Salem: L, 1-8 (BOX SCORE)
This was an ugly game. How do you lose a game while getting 10 hits? By giving up 14 hits. Danny Kirwin, usually also a sturdy arm, didn’t have such a great start. It all fell apart to start the fifth against the Nationals, and it didn’t get better for Denis Reguilllo; the 20-year-old needed 37 pitches to get out of the inning. Infielder Marvin Alcantara went 3-for-4, but he’s just one guy, and he can’t pitch, too. All told, the team went 1-for-12 with runners in scoring position and stranded 9.
Have a happy Wednesday!