Phillies Prospect Watch: Matt Ferrara Walks It Off for Clearwater

Phillies minor league affiliates went 1-3 on Saturday, April 11, with Single-A Clearwater picking up the lone win with a tenth inning walk-off single from Matt Ferrara. Ferrara, the Phillies’ 2025 ninth round pick, grew up in nearby Toms River, N.J. and has already established himself as one of the organization’s top prospects.

The Threshers also enjoyed standout performances from catcher Alirio Ferrebus (2-for-3 with a double and two walks) and reliever Gabe Craig, who fired a scoreless ninth inning to help keep Clearwater in the game.

Triple-A Lehigh Valley and Double-A Reading both endured shutouts. Felix Reyes picked up two of the IronPigs’ three hits, while starting pitcher Ryan Cusick, a 2021 first round pick of the Atlanta Braves, put together a five inning, six strikeout performance, allowing just one earned run. A potential reclamation project, Cusick struggled to locate the zone, landing 47 of 84 pitches for strikes, but managed to pitch an effective outing regardless.

The Fightin Phils hit a trio of doubles — top prospect Aroon Escobar, catcher Kehden Hettiger and designated hitter Alex Binelas did the honors — but couldn’t generate any runs for their trouble. High-A Jersey Shore rounded out the slate with a 6-3 loss. Devin Saltiban continued to drive the ball, going 1-for-5 with a double; catcher Luis Caicuto went 2-for-2 with a double, a homer and a walk. 22-year-old University of Pennsylvania product Ryan Dromboski got the start for the BlueClaws and went five innings, striking out six batters and allowing two runs across 83 pitches (52 strikes). An undrafted free agent in 2024, Dromboski grew up in Hamilton, N.J.