Cup of Coffee: Bradley's hot hitting leads Salem

4/27 Cup of Coffee: It was a lighter night of action on the farm, as Pawtucket and Portland had days off. The remaining affiliates split, with Salem picking up a victory over Wilmington and Greenville falling to Delmarva.

Jackie Bradley, Jr. (Kelly O'Connor)

Salem took a 4-1 victory over the Wilmington Blue Rocks (KC) to manage a split of their four game series. Wilmington took a 1-0 lead in the bottom of the first on a pair of doubles off starting pitcher Miguel Celestino. That was all of the offense the Blue Rocks would manage though, as Celestino had an excellent outing, finishing his 6.0 innings allowing just that 1 run on 5 hits, striking out 3 without allowing a walk. Salem tied the game when Xander Bogaerts led off the second inning with his second home run of the season. They rallied for two more in the third to take the lead. Adalberto Ibarra singled and scored on a double by Carson Blair followed by a Jackie Bradley, Jr. single that scored Blair. Salem added an insurance run to take a 4-1 lead in the fifth as Bradley reached on a bunt single and scored on a Travis Shaw double. The bullpen took charge from there, with Jeremiah Bayer tossing 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing only 1 hit, and Michael Olmstead throwing 1.0 inning, also allowing 1 hit and striking out 1 to pick up his third save. Bradley's continued offensive outburst was the big story for Salem, as he went 4 for 4 with a run scored and an RBI to bring his season line up to .371/.476/.484. The.476 OBP leads the Carolina League. Travis Shaw also had a nice evening for Salem, going 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI.

Greenville managed only three hits in a 5-1 loss to the Delmarva Shorebirds (BAL). Drive starter Madison Younginer got off to a shaky start, giving up four runs in the first, but he settled in after that, not allowing a hit after the first, and retiring the last nine batters he faced. Younginer's final line was 5.0 innings, allowing 4 runs (3 earned) on 4 hits, walking 2 and striking out 5. Scott Swinson pitched the final 3.0 innings, allowing a run on 3 hits, 1 walk and 3 strikeouts. Greenville's only run came in an inning where they did not get a hit. Henry Ramos led off the top of the seventh inning with a walk. He stole second base, and advanced to third on a wild pitch. Ramos then came in to score on a sacrifice fly by Nick Natoli. Garin Cecchini, David Renfroe, and Boss Moanaroa each managed one hit apiece for the Drive. Greenville will attempt to salvage a split of the four-game series tonight.

Pawtucket, whose nine-game winning streak came to an end Wednesday, had the day off before they begin a ten game road trip this evening in Columbus, where they will play a four game series with the Clippers. Portland had its first off-day since April 8, and will host Reading for a three game series beginning tonight.

Player of the Night: Jackie Bradley, Jr. continued to swing a red-hot bat, going 4 for 4. He finished the series against Wilmington 9 for 16 with 3 walks, a double, a triple, and  4 runs scored. He has reached base safely in twelve consecutive games, and scored a run in eight straight.

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