Red Wings fall short on Jackie Robinson Day
- Aiden Locke
- 15 minutes ago
- 3 min read
By: Aiden Locke / Program Director
ROCHESTER, N.Y. --- The Rochester Red Wings lost a tough opening game of their series against the Worcester Red Sox (Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox) 7-2. Worcester totaled 19 base runners throughout the game while Rochester could only get six abord, including a home run from infielder Trey Lipscomb. Despite the tough result for Rochester it was a still a special day in the baseball world with the celebration of Jackie Robinson Day. 42 was painted in the area behind home plate and Rochester catcher Drew Millas wore a costume chest protector with 42 labeled across it along with images of Jackie Robinson throughout his baseball career.
April 15 2025 marked the 78th aniversey of Jackie Robinson's breakthrough into the major leagues, forever changing baseball by breaking down the barrier of segragation. Jackie Robinson's legacy will not soon be forgotten by fans and players alike and his impact changed baseball and the world.
"Jackie (Robinson) paved the way, not only for African Americans but for everybody," Lipscomb said. "He set the standard and it means a lot to us and today was a very special day for him."
Rochester starting pitcher Chase Solesky cruised through the first three innings allowing just three hits with one strikeout en-route to a solid opening third of game for Rochester. Millas also threw out a base stealing attempt by Worcester second baseman Vaughn Grissom in the first inning.
The fourth inning went downhill for Rochester. Solesky gave up multiple hits and plunked Worcester centerfielder Nate Eaton, in an inning that tagged Solesky with four earned runs allowed. Solesky's final line was 3.2 innings pitched, seven hits, four earned runs, three strikeouts on 71 pitches and was tagged with the loss.
"We were in it and then the fourth inning was kind of the dagger," Red Wings manager Matt LeCroy said.
Worcester also added runs in the sixth and eighth innings.
In the sixth inning the Red Sox drove in a run byway of an RBI fielders choice by Grissom which scored first baseman Nathan Hickey who singled to right field earlier in the inning.
In the eighth inning, Worcester drove two runs during a two out rally where four consecutive batters reached. The rally started with the MLB's second ranked prospect Roman Anthony driving a base hit to left center field. Grissom who hit from the two hole in the game drove Anthony in with an RBI double to right field. MLB's 11th ranked prospect Marcelo Mayer also joined the run, driving Grissom in with a bloop double that hung in the wind which landed between three Rochester defenders in the grass beyond third base.
"You've gotta put the ball where they don't like it... they are (Anthony, Grissom) two really talented players... we've got to execute...but when we don't they'll make you pay," LeCroy said.
Anthony dominated in the opening game of the series, reaching base five times in six plate appearances including three walks.
The bright spots in this game for Rochester included Lipscomb's home run and Millas extending his hit streak to seven games, continuing his excellent start of the year offensively for the Red Wings. Rochester threatened late, loading the bases in the seventh but a strikeout from shortstop Jackson Cluff ended the inning before Rochester could capitalize.
"He's (Millas) played really well, he's throwing the ball well, he's blocking the ball well and offensively he's been the guy for us," LeCroy said.
The Red Wings fall to 3-11 on the young season, while the Red Sox improve to 6-8 after the series opener. Game two of the series is scheduled for Wednesday April 15 with first pitch slated for 1:05 p.m.
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