Minor League Season Kicks Off with Worcester Red Sox in Action
The 2026 minor league season has officially begun, and the Worcester Red Sox got things started with a home game against the Syracuse Mets. The spotlight was on the pitching duel between Worcester's Jake Bennett and Mets prospect Jonah Tong. While the full-season affiliates are set to join the action next week, Worcester provided an early taste of the excitement to come.
Game Recap: Syracuse Mets 3, Worcester Red Sox 1
Worcester's bats struggled to find their rhythm against Jonah Tong and the Mets' bullpen, managing only five singles throughout the game. Mickey Gasper stood out offensively, going 1-for-3 with two walks and scoring the team's only run thanks to a Tsung-Che Cheng single. Nick Sogard also contributed with a hit and two walks.
On the mound, Jake Bennett made his organizational debut with a commendable performance. Despite taking the loss, Bennett allowed just one unearned run on two hits over three innings, striking out five without issuing a walk.
He was efficient, throwing 44 of his 59 pitches for strikes. Seth Martinez added two innings of work, striking out three but giving up a solo homer.
Noah Song was touched for an insurance run by the Mets, allowing four hits in 1 2/3 innings.
The bullpen had a standout performer in Devin Sweet, who was exceptional in relief. Sweet struck out six of the seven batters he faced in 2 1/3 perfect innings, showing impressive control and dominance.
Player of the Day: Devin Sweet
Devin Sweet shone brightly in his Worcester debut. After coming in with two runners on and inducing a pop-up to end the seventh, Sweet was untouchable.
He struck out the next six batters, with all 10 pitches in the eighth inning hitting the strike zone. A minor-league free agent signing in December, Sweet is now with his fifth organization, having had a brief stint in the majors with Oakland and Seattle in 2023.
His performance today was a masterclass in relief pitching, setting a high bar for the season ahead.