By Darryl Harding Sr –
A picturesque Polar Park is the preferred place to commence the 2025 MiLB Worcester Red Sox season. The baseball gods are smiling as the perfect weather permits all the pomp and circumstance that precedes first pitch.
From little local singing sensation, Mirabel Pan Weston, belting out the National Anthem to World Champion Red Sox, Jackie Bradley Jr. throwing the first pitch, opening ceremonies were flawlessly performed. A peaceful moment of silence left fans pensive as we appreciate greats we have lost, such as Bob Uecker and Ricky Henderson, in the past year.
The Woosox initiate season play with RHP Robert Stock # 62 donning the hill versus the Syracuse Mets and starting right-hander Blade Tidwell. This premiere game, of a short three game series, turned out to begin as a classic pitchers duel.
Stock racked up an unblemished four scoreless innings, throwing 41 strikes over 62 pitches before being relieved. Tidwell, spinning for the Mets, threw an additional inning but relinquished one run in the bottom of the 3rd. That sacrifice grounder by LF Roman Anthony scored DH Nathan Hickey and the Woosox held a 1-0 lead until the 5th inning.
Woosox RHP Josh Winckowski spelled Stock but immediately allowed a RBI by Mets 2B Donovan Walton. Unfortunately for the Sox a Mets key stolen base and a timely hit were executed with perfection.
With the Mets tying the game, Winckowski lasted three innings tossing 59 pitches, 29 for strikes. Only a 88 mph cutter proved troublesome with Mets C Hakson Reetz taking it yard and taking the lead 2-1.
For the Mets, LHP Anthony Gose pitched a scoreless innings but when he was relieved by righty Austin Warren is when the Woosox showed their most promising chance to eke out an edge. After tying the contest with a run scored by 2B Vaugn Grissom, Worcester managed to load the bases with 2 outs.
“That was the big chance,” said Woosox club manager Chad Tracy, “When you get those spots and you can rifle out a two out hit… that changes the game.“ But woefully unable to capitalize, the Woosox left all three men stranded.
Faced with another serving of savvy stealing and sharp singles, Mets scored 1B Joey Meneses and 3B Luke Ritter on Woosox right-hander Isaiah Campbell. Credited with the loss, Campbell left the Sox in a 4-2 deficit.
Despite a 395 ft. homer by Woosox 1B Abraham Toro, in the 9th, Worcester dropped their home opener 4-3. Woosox and Mets combat again Saturday at 4:05pm, weather permitting.