As if Tyler O’Neill hitting a ball into orbit in the middle of a playoff race wasn’t satisfying enough, there’s more good news. Worcester looked like a major league team taking on Syracuse. Vaughn Grissom had seen through Mets prospect Mike Vasil, number 18, and hit him with two home runs early. Plus, we had a pretty strong presence on the mound. Jason Alexander was in complete control of the game – so much so that you’d think he was the master of his craft…you know what, if you know the reference, you know.

Portland may have lost their game late in the season, but they also have some of the usual suspects and new additions doing well down there. For the last time in 2024, I say let’s get going!

Worcester: W, 7-0 (RESULT)

Jason Alexander turned in perhaps the best performance by a Red Sox minor league pitcher all season in Wednesday night’s game against the Syracuse Mets. I await arguments, but in the meantime, let me state the facts: For those of you who say things like “it’s too early to say what I can’t say yet,” know that Jason Alexander had six strikeouts in the first four innings and pitched a perfect game before old friend Yolmer Sanchez spoiled it in the fifth inning. Still, Alexander exuded confidence throughout his start, allowing just one other hit without a walk and striking out 11 total. Zach Penrod and Alex Speas were equally confident, allowing no more baserunners.

A WooSox lineup that included you, the reader, or me, who clearly lacks athletic ability, could have won tonight with that pitching. Fortunately, they had Vaughn Grissom on their side, who made a comeback unlikely with two early home runs. Grissom is hitting .429/.625/.905 this month, which I’d call pretty good, but your opinion may differ. Chase Meidroth scored a few runs of his own on a three-hit night. The WooSox have now won five games in a row and are 2.5 out of a playoff spot with ten games remaining.

Portland: N, 4-8 (RESULT)

On the contrary, after winning four in a row last week, Portland began its final series of the regular season 0-2 against the Rumble Ponies. (Mets AA) Blake Wehunt was worked hard in his five innings, allowing five hits, and the bullpen wasn’t much better. The Sea Dogs’ winning odds rose to 39.1% after Elih Marrero homered off Allan Castro (a guy who has seen through it so far) to make it 4-3 in the fourth inning, but that was also the biggest spark the offense had all night. They retired 12 players, struck out 13 times, went 2-of-15 with runners in scoring position, and committed two errors, which doesn’t do any team any good trying to make a comeback. Bright spot: Ahbram Liendo got three hits in the slot nine and Blaze Jordan had a double.

I wish you a nice Thursday!