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IL Worcester Red Sox

Chang, Hernandez Go Deep in 8-6 Series-Opening Loss to Norfolk

August 29, 2023 - International League (IL)
Worcester Red Sox News Release


WORCESTER, M.A. - A pair of late two-run innings from the Norfolk Tides (29-23, 77-49) gave the road team an 8-6 victory over the Worcester Red Sox (31-20, 70-56) on Tuesday night at Polar Park. Despite the loss, the WooSox remain in first place in the International League's second half with 23 games to go.

Yu Chang opened the scoring with a bang in the second inning, launching a no-doubt three-run home run over the berm in left. The swing made it 3-0 WooSox and gave Chang his 12th hit and second long ball since August 22.

Norfolk responded moments later, starting with a third-inning RBI triple by Heston Kjerstad. After an out, Kyle Stowers lifted an opposite-field game-tying two-run shot to left, his 14th Triple-A homer.

The early scoring continued in the bottom of the inning-with two in scoring position and two outs, Bradley Zimmer lined a two-run single to left, putting Worcester back on top. Zimmer would finish with a two-hit night, his fourth multi-hit game in the Red Sox organization.

After Connor Norby's RBI single cut the WooSox' lead to 5-4, Ronaldo Hernandez got the run right back. He worked a 10-pitch at-bat, then torched a solo home run to left to make it 6-4.

Hernandez now has 17 home runs, tying last year's mark, a career high above Double-A.

The game turned from that point, as Norfolk rallied for four unanswered runs. In the seventh, the WooSox appeared to have the second out on a dribbler in front of the plate, but it was ruled a foul ball. The batter ultimately walked, followed by a throwing error that allowed two runs to score, tying the game.

In the ninth, Coby Mayo delivered the game-winning swing, a 444-foot two-run home run to left to make it 8-6 Tides. His homer gave Norfolk its first lead of the night, and after a scoreless bottom of the inning, handed Worcester its seventh loss of the season when leading after eight (now 49-7).

On the mound, WooSox starter Brian Van Belle allowed four runs over four innings, walking five with four strikeouts. Oddanier Mosqueda turned in 2.1 scoreless innings before Justin Garza and Cam Booser were charged with two runs in the seventh and ninth, respectively.

The WooSox continue the six-game series on Wednesday night at 6:45 p.m. at Polar Park against the Norfolk Tides, affiliate of the Baltimore Orioles. On the mound, Shane Drohan (4-6, 6.39) faces Justin Armbruester (2-2, 3.67). Television coverage is on NESN+, while radio coverage is live on 100.1 FM The Pike, 98.9 Nash Icon and the WooSox Radio Network.

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International League Stories from August 29, 2023


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