The WooSox absolutely crushed the Bulls 16-1 Friday night, and while the entire lineup was cooking, it was Braiden Ward’s perfect 5-for-5 game that has everyone buzzing. The 27-year-old outfielder didn’t just get five hits, he scored every single time he reached base, swiped two more bags, and blasted his sixth homer of the season. This guy, who already boasts 61 stolen bases in the minors, just made an undeniable case for a Major League spot.
Ward Steps Up Amid Injury Crisis
This monster performance from Ward couldn’t have come at a more crucial time. With the team’s top baserunning threat, Eli White, likely done for the season after tearing a ligament on the Angels’ wall, there’s a huge hole to fill. Ward’s speed has always been his calling card, and with White out, the timing is insane. His manager has to be looking at his recent production and thinking, “Can we really keep this guy down?” The chatter is real, and Ward could be getting the call up in the coming week, possibly taking the spot of Nate Eaton or Andruw Monasterio. Yes, it would be a move largely driven by his wheels, but his bat has been doing some serious damage too. This isn’t just a speedy guy, he’s a speedy guy who’s hitting.
Castro’s Bat Explodes, Sansone Dominates
While Ward was busy being perfect, Allan Castro was an absolute beast at the plate. The 23-year-old switch-hitting outfielder drove in a mind-blowing seven runs, nearly half of the WooSox’s total. He ripped a home run and two doubles, pushing his slugging percentage this month to an eye-popping .709. You know I’ve been gushing about Castro’s ability to put bat to ball, and Friday night was pure proof. Not to be outdone, Michael Sansone, the 26-year-old pitcher, had his best start of the season. He cruised through six innings, giving up just one hit, a triple, and a sacrifice fly that scored his only baserunner of the night. It barely mattered though, as the WooSox were already up 12-0 by then. It was a massive bounce-back for Sansone, who’s battled through struggles in both Double-A and Triple-A this year, giving him a huge high to finish the season on. The entire team feasted, with six different batters collecting extra-base hits.
With the season winding down, performances like this mean everything. For a guy like Ward, who is clearly on the cusp, what’s next isn’t just another minor league game; it’s a potential jump to the big leagues. Every plate appearance, every stolen base, every single run scored is a tryout right now. The big league club has to be watching closely, ready to make a move.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Over the Monster.
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