Cup of Coffee: Bleis and Kavadas homer; Early tosses six shutout innings
5/26 Cup of Coffee: It was a strong night for offenses across the system on Saturday, though the pitching had up-and-down results. Niko Kavadas helped Worcester again, while Tyler McDonough (pictured) had a career day for Portland. Cutter Coffey and Connelly Early led Greenville to a hard-fought win, while home runs for Miguel Bleis and Antonio Anderson were not enough for Salem.
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A four-run ninth inning pushed the Tides past the WooSox. Niko Kavadas launched his 10th home run and laced an RBI single as he went 2 for 4. Nick Sogard hit his seventh home run, a two-run shot that opened the scoring in the first. Bobby Dalbec went 2 for 5 with a double and an outfield assist but also committed an error and struck out twice. Jason Alexander turned in a quality start, working around 10 hits to allow three earned runs over six innings. Isaiah Campbell followed with another scoreless rehab appearance, while Jorge Benitez was tagged for four runs while recording two outs in the ninth.
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It was a slugfest in Portland, with the Sea Dogs outlasting the Yard Goats. With Marcelo Mayer and Roman Anthony out of the starting lineup, the Sea Dogs still scored 17 times on 18 hits. Tyler McDonough paced the offense as he went 4 for 6 with a home run and three doubles out of the leadoff spot. Mickey Gasper also went deep as part of a three-hit day, and Matthew Lugo went 3 for 4 with a double and a walk. Nick Yorke, Phillip Sikes, and Nick Decker all had two hits.
The pitching had a tougher day, with starter Hunter Dobbins allowing five runs on five hits and five walks while recording only five outs. Robert Kwiatkowski got the win despite allowing three runs over 2 2/3 innings. Felix Cepeda was the most effective pitcher of the day as he recorded his ninth save after allowing just an unearned run over 2 2/3 innings.
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A two-run home run from Cutter Coffey set the tone early in Greenville's victory. Coffey's fourth home run gave the Drive a 2-0 advantage in the first inning, and they would lead the rest of the way. Kristian Campbell had another strong game, going 2 for 3 with a walk and an RBI single. Tyler Miller also reached base three times, going 1 for 2 with two walks. This was enough for Connelly Early, who twirled six shutout innings with six strikeouts. Adam Smith allowed two runs over 2 1/3, and Cade Feeney worked out of trouble to pick up his first save.
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Salem appeared to be cruising after scoring seven runs over the first three innings, but the Woodpeckers rallied to win in extras. Antonio Anderson was the star of an impressive offensive showing for Salem, as he went 2 for 4 with a home run, a double, and two walks. Miguel Bleis went 2 for 6 with his fourth home run and added two steals, and Nelly Taylor went 2 for 5 with a double and a walk. Royman Blanco got the start and allowed one run over two innings. Elmer Rodriguez was first out of the bullpen, allowing five runs, two earned, over three innings. For the first time this season, he did not strike out a batter. The loss went to Nathanael Cruz who allowed the zombie runner to score in the 10th.
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The Red Sox had a six-run lead entering the final inning but allowed eight runs on four singles and five walks. Playing second base for the first time professionally, Yoeilin Cespedes went 2 for 4 with an RBI. Franklin Arias started at short and went 1 for 3 with a walk and a stolen base. Gerardo Rodriguez also had a steal while going 1 for 2 with two walks. Seven pitchers combined to pitch the seven innings, with Zach Bryant tossing another scoreless inning on his rehab assignment. Making his stateside debut, Gilberto Batista struck out two in a spotless inning, and Stijn Van Der Schaaf did not allow a run over his two frames.
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Player of the Day: Tyler McDonough had 10 total bases as he went 4 for 6 with a home run and three doubles. The 25-year-old improved his line to .250/.348/.367 in 21 games with the Sea Dogs. The home run was his first of the season in 93 at-bats, and the 10 total bases tied a career-high he set in August of 2022. The former third-round pick is currently ranked 49th in the system and has played both middle infield spots and all outfield positions this year.
Photo Credit: Tyler McDonough by Kelly O'Connor