Hamilton Homers, WooSox Take Opener 4-3 over Jacksonville
WORCESTER, M.A. – The Worcester Red Sox (62-58) notched a series-opening victory over Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-48) on Tuesday night, a 4-3 win at Polar Park. The WooSox trailed 1-0 entering the bottom of the first, but David Hamilton changed the score quickly. For the second week in a row,
WORCESTER, M.A. – The Worcester Red Sox (62-58) notched a series-opening victory over Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp (72-48) on Tuesday night, a 4-3 win at Polar Park.
The WooSox trailed 1-0 entering the bottom of the first, but David Hamilton changed the score quickly. For the second week in a row, he delivered a leadoff home run, smacking a solo shot to right-center.
In five games since returning from Boston, Hamilton has been on base 12 times and homered twice.
The 1-1 scoreline held until the bottom of the fourth, when Seby Zavala stepped up with men on the corners and one out. Zavala worked a 2-2 count, then drilled a go-ahead double down the left field line, plating Trayce Thompson.
One batter later, Phillip Sikes delivered a two-run single up the middle, extending the home team’s lead to 4-1. The swing gave Sikes his first RBI since August 1.
Worcester starter Kyle Harrison turned in the following line: 5 IP, 7 H, 3 ER, 1 BB, 2 K. He allowed runs on a balk in the first, an RBI single in the fourth and a sac-fly in the fifth. Over his last three outings, Harrison has a 1.80 ERA in 15 innings.
Justin Slaten was dominant in his first game action since May 28, striking out the side in the sixth inning. The right-hander threw 15 pitches (11 strikes) and reached 97.6 miles-per-hour on his fastball in his first rehab appearance with the WooSox.
The Worcester bullpen regulars were strong from there—Bryan Mata tossed 2.2 scoreless with one strikeout, extending his International League league in Ks among relievers (81).
Zack Kelly got the final out of the eighth, then went 1-2-3 through the Jacksonville lineup in the ninth to earn his first save at Triple-A this season. With the win, the WooSox improve to 15-14 in one-run games.
The WooSox continue a six-game series on Wednesday at 6:45 p.m. against the Jacksonville Jumbo Shrimp, affiliate of the Miami Marlins On the mound, Connelly Early (2-0, 2.63) faces Robby Snelling (2-2, 1.34). Television coverage is on NESN, while radio coverage begins at 6:25 p.m. on 100.1 FM The Pike, 98.9 Nash Icon and the WooSox Radio Network.