July 2, 2012 at 6:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Gomez and Perkins continue to show impressive power
7/2 Cup of Coffee: It was a rough start to July for the affiliates, as they went 0 for 6 on the day.
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| Mauro Gomez (Kelly O'Connor) |
Despite an extraordinary performance from Mauro Gomez, the PawSox fell to the Lehigh Valley IronPigs (PHI) 8-5. Gomez did everything he could to lead the PawSox to victory, going 3 for 4 with two home runs and a double. Unfortunately, the other PawSox batters could only muster up three hits, and the IronPigs were able to get to starter Tony Pena, Jr. for five runs in 4.2 innings. Ryan Lavarnway went 1 for 4 with a double, and threw out one of two attempted base stealers to raise his caught stealing percentage to approximately 33 percent on the season.
It was another adventurous game for Daniel Bard, as the IronPigs swept the doubleheader with a 2-1 victory. Pawtucket received a great pitching performance from Billy Buckner, who threw 6.0 shutout innings, striking out six. After a sixth inning single from Lars Anderson put the PawSox on top 1-0, Bard came on in relief of Buckner. He walked the first two batters, threw a wild pitch to advance the runners, and the tying run came in on a ground out. His ERA is now 7.30 in Pawtucket. The game remained tied until the bottom of the ninth, and the IronPigs won the game on a walk-off walk issued by Will Inman.
It took 11 innings, but the Trenton Thunder (NYY) finally got the best of the Portland Sea Dogs, beating them 6-3. Drake Britton started the game and went the first 5.2 innings, allowing two runs on three hits, walking three and striking out six. He left the game without having allowed a run, but Aaron Kurcz came on in relief and gave up a three-run home run to the first batter he faced. Jackie Bradley, Jr., who had another two-hit game, tied the game in the seventh with a sacrifice fly, but that was the last time the Sea Dogs would score in the game. Like Bradley, Jeremy Hazelbaker went 2 for 4, with Hazelbaker adding a triple and a walk.
Game Two between the Thunder and the Sea Dogs was postponed. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Monday.
Salem continued to struggle, losing 16-3 to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX). The trio of Charle Rosario, Manuel Rivera, and Ryan Pressly combined to go the first 6.1 innings and allowed 16 runs on 16 hits. Tyler Lockwood was able to keep the Pelicans scoreless over the final 1.2 innings. Shannon Wilkerson and Carson Blair each had a home run for Salem, while Brandon Jacobs went 2 for 4 and now has nine hits in his last six games. Travis Shaw made his fifth start of the season at third base and went 1 for 4 with a walk.
The Charleston RiverDogs got a rare win over the Drive, beating them 5-1. Noe Ramirez started and went only 2.0 innings, allowing two runs. It is unknown as to why he left the game after throwing only 28 pitches, but stay tuned to SoxProspects for more information as it becomes available. After an up-and-down June, Garin Cecchini started off July going 3 for 4 with a double, and Cody Koback went 3 for 3 with a double of his own.
Despite collecting 10 hits and stealing six bases, the Spinners fell to the Tri-City ValleyCats (HOU), 6-3. Raynel Velette gave up two runs in the first two innings, but turned things around and put up three straight scoreless frames. He gave way to the bullpen who gave up four runs over the next three innings. The Spinners had plenty of hits, but struggled with runners in scoring position, going 2 for 11 as a team. Kendrick Perkins went 2 for 4 with a home run, outfield assist, and a stolen base, Mookie Betts went 2 for 4 with two steals, Williams Jerez went 2 for 4, and Deven Marrero went 1 for 5 with two steals.
Player of the Night: Mauro Gomez's 3 for 4 performance with two home runs and a double in Game 1 of the PawSox doubleheader was easily the most impressive feat on the night. The 27-year-old continues to put up eye-popping stats in the middle of the Pawtucket order.