Red Sox Minor League Report: Despite Sox Affiliates Losing, Franklin Arias Blasts His First Triple-A Home Run

[Ayden Mason]

Boston Red Sox Affiliate Recap

Triple-A Worcester Red Sox

Season Record: 51-47

The WooSox's late ninth-inning surge came up just short, falling 4-3 to the Norfolk Tides (Baltimore Orioles).

In the leadoff spot, Franklin Arias smoked the first pitch he saw from long-time MLB veteran pitcher Chris Bassitt for his first Triple-A hit and home run with a 103.8 MPH exit velocity, putting the Sox on top 1-0. 

Although the young slugger is 1-for-12 since his promotion, he has been crushing the baseball. Just for reference, Arias hit into a 96 MPH flyout, 98.9 MPH groundout, and an 89.2 MPH flyout in this game. His last out was not particularly hit too hard, but this is how his first three games have been: hard-hit outs.

Norfolk tied it up in the fourth as Raymond Burgos surrendered the only run of his four-inning start. The Tides gave themselves a lead in the seventh with an RBI single and some small ball, a sacrifice bunt that led to another run crossing the plate, 3-1. A solo shot in the eighth from the Orioles affiliate extended their lead to 4-1, putting Worcester in a hole to enter the ninth inning. 

With two outs and nobody aboard, the WooSox did not give up. Allan Castro roped a double to right field, and Brett Harris drew a walk to put two runners on. During Kristian Campbell’s at-bat, a couple of wild pitches brought in Castro to make it 4-2. Norfolk’s pitcher was still wild as Campbell drew a four-pitch walk, putting runners on the corners. Vinny Castro forced the Tide’s shortstop to make a good play, legging out an RBI infield single to put Worcester within one run, 4-3. Arias had a chance to tie it with the runner on third but flew out to end the game.

Double-A Portland Sea Dogs

Season Record: 51-45

The Sea Dogs had trouble hitting with runners aboard, suffering a tough 8-3 defeat to the Harrisburg Senators (Washington Nationals).

Oddly enough, Portland out-hit the Senators with 10 to their five, but scored just three runs while going 3-for-13 with RISP. The Sea Dogs pitching staff did not help much either; however, they gave up six runs (two unearned), with their downfall coming from walking nine batters, giving Harrisburg more opportunities to score.

With bases loaded and no outs in the first inning, the Sea Dogs had a golden opportunity to strike ahead. Unluckily, Johanfran Garcia grounded into a double play to bring in a run, but that was the only runner they brought in.

After lighting up Triple-A, second baseman Tyler McDonough was sent back down to Double-A to make room for Tsung-Che Cheng from Boston. The unfortunate news did not stop the former third-rounder, as he delivered multiple RBI singles and stolen bases for Portland. Jack Winnay, Ronald Rosario, and Nelly Taylor all recorded two-hit days and the only doubles for the Sea Dogs. 

Hayden Mullins started on the mound and struggled finding the strike zone (85 pitches – 46 strikes) but did not have any problems missing bats, only allowing one hit with six strikeouts, but gave up four walks and three runs (two unearned). Jeremy Wu-Yelland was great through two perfect innings of relief with four strikeouts.

Standout Performances: 

• Tyler McDonough: 2-for-3, R, 2 RBI, BB, 2 SB
• Nelly Taylor: 2-for-2, 2B, R, 2 BB
• Jeremy Wu-Yelland: 2 IP, 0 H, 0 ER, 4 K

High-A Greenville Drive

Season Record: 39-54

The game was postponed due to rain. Makeup on July 30.

Low-A Salem RidgeYaks

Season Record: 41-54

The game was postponed due to rain. Makeup on July 29.

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