Cup of Coffee: GCL Sox fall in game one, Shaw's extra inning blast claws Fisher Cats

8/29 Cup of Coffee: The GCL Sox lost game one of the Gulf Coast League finals as Portland and Salem were the only victorious squads on Tuesday. 

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Pawtucket's contest with the Gwinnett Braves (ATL) was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Thursday. 

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A six run explosion in the 12th inning allowed Portland to overcome the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR), 9-3. Allen Webster made his Red Sox system debut by tossing 4.0 innings, allowing three runs on six hits and two walks, punching out seven. Mike MacDonald was stellar in relief, hurling 7.0 innings, allowing two hits and two walks while striking out six. The two teams got off to a quick start, with New Hampshire scoring one in the first and two in the second while the Sea Dogs responded with runs in the first three frames. The game remained knotted until the 12th, when a Bryce Brentz RBI single brought home two and a Travis Shaw (pictured) three-run home run highlighted an offensive outburst. Shaw was 3 for 5 to lead the offense while Christian Vazquez, Shannon Wilkerson and Derrik Gibson each added two hits.
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One run is all Salem would need as they blanked the Frederick Keys (BAL), 1-0. Yeiper Castillo picked up the victory for his 5.0 innings of work, allowing just four hits as he struck out seven. Marco Duarte and Pete Ruiz each added 2.0 scoreless innings of relief. With two outs in the first inning, back-to-back doubles from Michael Almanzar and Brandon Jacobs plated the only run of the contest. The Red Sox only mustered three hits and struck out ten times in the victory.

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A rough start for Madison Younginer sank Greenville as they fell to the Kannapolis Intimidators (CHW), 9-1. Younginer allowed eight runs on seven hits and three walks in just 2.0 innings. Luis Diaz pitched admirably in relief, allowing just one run on five hits in 6.0 innings. The Drive had a frustrating night at the plate, leaving ten men on base and going 0 for 9 with runners in scoring position. Their lone run of the game came in the first inning on a Keury De La Cruz RBI double, which scored Nick Natoli all the way from first. Despite the loss, Boss Moanaroa and Jose Garcia each had three hits.

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A game short on offense saw Lowell take a tough luck loss to the Tri-City Valley Cats (HOU), 1-0. Zach Good hurled the first 2.0 innings for the Spinners, allowing two hits and three walks. Jacob Dahlstrand picked up the loss for his 5.0 innings of work, allowing one run on two hits and five walks, while striking out three. The Spinners had a runner reach third base in both second and fourth innings but did not take advantage of the opportunities.

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Game one of the GCL Championship Series did not go the Red Sox way as they fell to the GCL Pirates (PIT), 5-2. Ty Buttrey received the start and tossed 2.0 scoreless innings, allowing two hits and striking out one. Sergio Gomez received the loss for his 2.1 innings of relief, allowing two runs (one earned) on four hits and a walk. The Red Sox struggled at the plate, collecting only three hits. With two outs in the ninth inning, Kevin Mager's RBI double brought home two for the Red Sox, but failed to ignite a further rally. Game two of the series is today at noon, the Red Sox must win to avoid elimination. 

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Player of the Day: Despite struggling after his promotion to Portland, Travis Shaw has shown some flashes of the player that dominated High-A Salem earlier this year. In his last ten games Shaw is hitting .244/.333/.512, but has five doubles, two home runs and six RBI.  

Photo credit: Travis Shaw by Dave Letizi.

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