Bulls Blank WooSox, 2-0
Published on September 17, 2026 under International League (IL)
Worcester Red Sox News Release
Johan Oviedo pitching for the Worcester Red Sox
(Worcester Red Sox, Credit: Ashley Green)
Boston Red Sox RHP Johan Oviedo appeared in a game for the first time since March 30 and turned in a strong 2.1 inning start allowing 1 run with 4 strikeouts but took the loss in Worcester's, 2-0 defeat to the Durham Bulls on Thursday night at Polar Park. (Photo by Ashley Green)
Worcester, MA - The Worcester Red Sox were held to just 2 hits tying their season-low and were blanked by a trio of pitchers in a 2-0 loss to the Durham Bulls on Thursday night at Polar Park. The defeat reduced Worcester's Tragic Number to 1 to be eliminated from playoff consideration with three games remaining in the season. Any combination of one WooSox loss or one more win by either Rochester or Indianapolis, who are tied for 1st -place, would end Worcester's chance for the best 2nd half record and the International League playoff spot that comes with it.
The WooSox got a double from Allan Castro in the 1st inning and a single by Tomas Niedo in the 9th inning but both were left stranded on base to account for Worcester's 2 LOB in the game. After Vinny Capra walked with one out in the 2nd inning, Durham pitchers retired the next 20 Sox batters until Niedo's single with one out in the 9th.
Boston Red Sox RHP Johan Oviedo made his first rehab start with the WooSox and looked sharp despite being saddled with the loss. Appearing in a game for the first time since he made his Red Sox debut this past March 30, Oviedo went 2.1 innings allowing 2 hits and 1 run with 1 walk and 4 strikeouts on 30 pitches (20 for strikes). Acquired from Pittsburgh along with current WooSox reliever Tyler Samaniego in a 5-player trade last December that sent former WooSox OF Jhostynxon Garcia to the Pirates, Oviedo, the 28-year-old Cuban native, was placed on the Red Sox injured list on March 31 with a right elbow/flexor strain.
Durham scored the game's first run for the third straight time in this series. In the 2nd inning, Oviedo yielded a leadoff walk to Xavier Isaac who eventually scored on an RBI double by Jack Suwinski.
John Holobetz relieved Oviedo with 1 out in the 3rd inning and was tremendous striking out 6 of the first 9 batters he faced and eventually chalking up 8 strikeouts in 4.1 scoreless innings of relief.
Durham righty Jake Woodford (1-3) was outstanding for his first win of the year. He allowed just a 1st inning double to the red-hot Castro through 5 shutout innings with 5 strikeouts. Kodi Whitley (2 hitless innings) and Cam Hill (2 IP for SV #6) finished off the shutout. The game took just 2 hours & 7 minutes to complete.
The WooSox (39-31 in the 2nd half and 75-66 overall) are down to their final three games of the regular season. The series (and season) will conclude over the weekend with games Friday at 6:05 pm, Saturday at 4:05 pm, and Sunday at 1:05 pm. All of these games take place during what again is being affectionately called "Fan Appreciation Week/Weekend" at Polar Park in a tribute to all of WooSox Nation.
Friday's game can be seen on NESN+ and heard on NASH 98.9 FM. WooSox lefty Michael Sansone (2-6, 6.55) faces Durham RHP Marcus Johnson (0-0, 5.40).
The WooSox are pleased to offer the following Fan Appreciation events before, during, and after Friday's game...
- The WooSox and George's Coney Island present Pride at the Park as the final UniBank Fireworks show of the season will feature a "Love Is All You Need" musical medley.
- The WooSox will take the field as the Pawtucket Hot Wieners, which debuted on PawSox Heritage Day in July.
- Fans can also enjoy a tie-dye station on Lucchino Lane.
Images from this story
 Johan Oviedo pitching for the Worcester Red Sox (Ashley Green) |
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