Red On Red Crime: Redwings Dominate Red Sox 10-1 in Home Opener

Rochester Redwings Outfielder Dylan Crews in Tuesday's evening contest against Worcester Red Sox.

By Christopher Drummond

ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The Rochester Red Wings shook off an early deficit and delivered a commanding response Tuesday night, cruising past the Worcester Red Sox, 10–1, in the home opener of the series.

Worcester struck first with a run in the top of the opening inning, briefly quieting the home crowd. But that would be the only damage Rochester allowed all evening. From that point forward, the game belonged entirely to the Red Wings, who combined timely hitting with solid pitching to even their record at 14–14.

Right-hander Chandler Champlain earned his first win of the season, turning in four steady innings. After surrendering the early run, Champlain settled in, limiting Worcester’s offense and keeping the game within reach until Rochester’s bats came alive.

That offensive surge was sparked by Yohandy Morales, who continued his strong form at the plate. Morales recorded a multi-hit performance and launched his fourth home run of the season, igniting a stretch that saw Rochester take firm control. Trey Lipscomb added to the momentum with a multi-hit night of his own, helping sustain the pressure on Worcester pitching.

The most dramatic moment came during what initially appeared to be a grand slam off the bat of Abimelec Ortiz. The ball carried farther than expected, aided by the wind, and cleared the left-center field wall. However, the celebration was short-lived.

As Ortiz rounded the bases, confusion unfolded when it was ruled that he had passed a runner ahead of him — a violation that results in an automatic out. After a discussion among the umpires and a brief dispute from Rochester manager Matthew LeCroy, the call was upheld. Instead of a grand slam, the play was scored as a single, though it still produced three runs and effectively broke the game open.

LeCroy expressed frustration after reviewing the play.

“When he hit the ball, I didn’t think he got all of it,” LeCroy said. “Then I looked at the runners. After seeing the video, it didn’t look like he passed him. From what I understand, the batter has to clearly pass the runner. The first base umpire initially had it safe, then it was overturned. You just hope they take another look and get it right.”

Players on the field had limited perspective of the play as it developed. Dylan Crews, who contributed an RBI in the win, described the confusion from his vantage point.

“I was on third, so I really didn’t know what was going on,” Crews said. “It’s a tough call. This game will humble you, and sometimes things happen fast. You just have to stay aware in those situations.”

Morales, who was on base during the play, echoed that uncertainty.

“I was on second, so I didn’t see it clearly,” he said. “They’re saying he might have passed me, but I’m not sure. To me, it’s a grand slam. It’s frustrating it doesn’t go down that way.”

Despite the unusual ruling, the outcome was never in doubt. Rochester continued to pile on runs, while its pitching staff kept Worcester quiet the rest of the way.

With the victory, the Red Wings return to .500 and will look to carry that momentum into the series finale. Rochester hosts Worcester again Wednesday morning, with first pitch scheduled for 11:05 a.m.