July 21, 2012 at 6:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Gomez's perfect night at the plate pushes Pawtucket
7/21 Cup of Coffee: Despite a down day for Salem, Greenville, Lowell, the GCL and the DSL, two affiliates had strong victories. Pawtucket was led by two hitters who have found their stride's after being with Boston and Portland pulled out an extra inning thriller.
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Portland pulled off one of their most impressive victories of the season, overcoming a six run deficit for a thrilling 10-9 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR) in 11 innings. It was a rough day on the mound for Will Latimer, who lasted just 0.2 innings, allowing seven runs on five hits and two walks. After holding a 2-0 lead after the top of the first, the Fisher Cats responded with eight runs in the bottom half of the inning to grab a six run cushion. The Sea Dogs 14 hit attack began to slowly chip away at the lead and Jackie Bradley's three run home run in the eighth finally tied the game, 8-8. Portland grabbed the lead in the top of the eleventh on a RBI double from Dan Butler and an RBI single from Peter Hissey. The two runs proved to be just enough as Portland moved to 13-7 against the Fisher Cats this season.
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Salem's offense remained quiet in a 6-1 loss at the hands of the Wilmington Blue Rocks (KC). Keith Couch pitched well as he hurled 6.0 innings, allowing one run on six hits and two walks, striking out seven. The Red Sox collected just five hits, with Travis Shaw collecting two of them.
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In a game that ended early due to rain, Greenville lost the battle of the middle innings to the Lexington Legends (HOU), 7-4. Jason Garcia dropped to 4-5 as he allowed five runs (four earned) on eight hits and two walks while striking out five in 5.0 innings of work. The Drive collected just three hits on the evening, a Jose Garcia triple, and doubles from David Renfroe and Cody Koback.
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The Spinners were once again unable to put together a complete game as they dropped a 7-4 contest to the Connecticut Tigers (DET). Jacob Dahlstrand received the start, tossing 4.2 innings, allowing four runs on five hits and three walks while striking out two. Gregory Larson received the loss for his 4.0 innings of relief, allowing three runs (one earned) on four hits and two walks. Kolbrin Vitek was 1 for 4 with a run scored as he continued his rehab assignment. Matt Marquis led the Spinners offense by going 2 for 4 with a first inning two run home run.
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The GCL Twins (MIN) roped 14 hits on their way to a 10-4 victory over the GCL Red Sox. Francellis Montas dropped to 0-3 after his 3.0 inning start in which he allowed seven runs (six earned) on eight hits and a walk, striking out two. The Red Sox had just five hits on the day but took advantage when they had runners on base. Kevin Mager was 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI and even pitched a scoreless ninth inning, allowing two walks and a hit, punching out one. Jeremias Pineda was 1 for 4 with a triple and an RBI. Pineda is now hitting a stellar .369/.384/.464 with 13 RBI in 24 games this season.
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In a game that lasted just five innings, the DSL Red Sox jumped all over the DSL Mets2 (NYM), 8-0. The Red Sox scored all eight runs in the first inning, capped off by a grand slam by Anthony Amaya. The Red Sox were also aided by seven walks and four Mets wild pitches. Red Sox starter Luis Ortega was outstanding, tossing 5.0 innings, allowing just one hit and three walks while striking out six.
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Player of the Day: Mauro Gomez, who was a perfect 5 for 5 at the plate Friday evening. The 27-year-old is in the midst of perhaps his best professional season, hitting .329/.381/.647 with 20 home runs, 30 doubles and 69 RBI in 74 games for Pawtucket. The first baseman has been white hot in five games for the PawSox this month, going 13 for 20 with three home runs, five doubles and six RBI.
Photo credit: Mauro Gomez by Kelly O'Connor