Rochester Takes Early Lead, Wins Fifth Game of Series

WORCESTER, M.A. — The Rochester Red Wings (9-20) scored in each of the first three innings on the way to an 18-1 win over the Worcester Red Sox (17-12) on Saturday afternoon.

The first eight batters of the game all recorded hits against WooSox starter Kevin McCarthy, in a first inning that saw nine hits and eight runs for Rochester. Brandon Snyder, Rafael Bautista and Blake Swihart hit back-to-back-to-back home runs, the first time that had ever been done at Polar Park.

The eight runs scored were the most allowed by a Red Sox Triple-A franchise in an inning since the Pawtucket Red Sox gave up eight against Buffalo on April 11, 2018. The frame also marked the first time the Sox Triple-A affiliate allowed three homers in an inning since July 5, 2011, also against Red Wings.

Rochester plated three more in the second, starting with consecutive walks versus reliever Matt Hall. A throwing error by shortstop Jeter Downs allowed Jake Noll to score, and two batters later, Cody Wilson doubled in Bautista and Swihart to make it 11-0.

The Red Wings added a six-spot in the third with RBI singles from Snyder, Bautista, Humberto Arteaga and Carter Kieboom, along with a run-scoring groundout off the bat of Cody Wilson.

Marcus Wilson led the way offensively for Worcester with two hits, extending his on-base streak to 14 games, tying the team’s season-long. Yairo Muñoz added a solo shot in the sixth, his second home run of the season. Half an inning later, Swihart homered again to make it 18-1.

The WooSox continue the six-game homestand Sunday against the Rochester Red Wings at 1:05 p.m. Television coverage from Polar Park is on NESN, while radio coverage starts live at 12:45 on 100 FM The Pike and the WooSox Radio Network. Rochester’s Jefry Rodriguez (1-0, 5.40) takes on Kyle Hart (1-2, 5.26), a matchup of two pitchers who have seen time in the big leagues.