Cup of Coffee: Despite Dobbins' strong start, Worcester eliminated from playoff hunt
9/19 Cup of Coffee: Worcester's playoff hopes were dashed by Lehigh Valley on Wednesday night. Roman Anthony and Kyle Teel were both productive at the plate but more was needed. On the mound, Hunter Dobbins (pictured) ended his season on a strong note by putting together his best performance since joining the WooSox last month.
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The WooSox fell in walk-off fashion after conceding three runs in the ninth inning. Hunter Dobbins tossed five scoreless frames in his final start of the season. The righty allowed just two hits and two walks while striking out six. Chase Shugart surrendered one run (on a solo homer) over two innings of relief before Jose Adames put up a zero in the eighth. Yohan Ramirez then gave up three unearned runs in the ninth, including the winning run on a passed ball to seal the victory for the IronPigs.
Offensively, the WooSox were held to just five hits. Roman Anthony went 1 for 3 with a two-run double and a walk out of the leadoff spot. Mickey Gasper also doubled in a run. Kyle Teel, meanwhile, went 2 for 4 with a pair of singles and a stolen base. Tyler McDonough and Corey Rosier both scored a run as well.
As a result of Wednesday's loss, the WooSox were officially eliminated from postseason contention with four games to play. The Columbus Clippers clinched the second-half title and will face the first-half-winning Omaha Storm Chasers in the best-of-three International League Championship Series beginning next Tuesday.
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Player of the Day: Hunter Dobbins gets the nod for delivering five scoreless frames in his final start of the season. The 25-year-old hurler posted a 2.61 ERA and 1.40 WHIP with 22 strikeouts to nine walks in four starts (20 2/3 innings) for Worcester after being promoted from Portland in late August. He is currently ranked as the No. 18 prospect in the organization.
Photo Credit: Hunter Dobbins by Kelly O'Connor