April 20, 2013 at 9:07 AM
Cup of Coffee: Barnes goes six strong in blowout
4/20 Cup of Coffee: The only two Red Sox affiliates in action Friday night were on both sides of blowouts, while the other two had games postponed due to inclement weather On the mound for Portland, Matt Barnes turned in his best performance of the 2013 campaign.
-----
Following a perfect top of the first inning against New Britain (MIN) Friday night, right-hander Matt Barnes (pictured) returned to the bump for the second inning with a four-run lead to work with. He didn't let it slip away, as the SeaDogs routed the Rock Cats by a score of 12-1.
Barnes, who had put together a shaky first two starts to the 2013 season, went six innings, surrendering one earned run, five hits, one walk and seven strikeouts. The lone blemish on the 22-year-old's pitching line was a fourth inning solo home run.
Portland shortstop Xander Bogaerts continued his torrid hitting by collecting three hits, two walks and a pair of RBI in the blowout. After a sluggish start to the year, the system's top prospect has turned it on of late, batting 9 for 12 with six extra-base hits in his last four games.
Michael Almanzar and Travis Shaw continued their hot hitting as well. Almanzar hit his fourth home run of the season with a solo shot in the first, which ties him for the Eastern League lead. Shaw collected three RBI, giving him nine on the season.
-----
While they were celebrating in Portland, the mood was different in Greenville, as the Drive lost to the Lexington Legends (KC), 8-0.
Greenville starter Cody Kukuk lasted only 3 1/3 innings, surrendering five runs (two earned) on just two hits and four walks. Kukuk, who struck out four, and the Drive were done in by a six-run fourth inning marred by fielding errors from Mookie Betts and Jayson Hernandez. The Drive's lone two hits were both singles collected by Hernandez and Boss Moanaroa.
-----
The 10-4 Pawtucket Red Sox will make up Friday's rain out against the Rochester Red Wings (MIN) with a doubleheader on Sunday. On Saturday, right-hander Charlie Haegar is scheduled to take the mound against Friday's projected starter Andrew Albers (MIN). The Salem Red Sox were also postponed and will play at 6:05 p.m. on Saturday.
-----
Player of the Day: Xander Bogaerts reached base in five of his six plate appearances during Friday night's blowout. Bogaerts hit his third double, collected his fourth and fifth RBI and stole his second base on the season against the Rock Cats.
Photo Credit: Matt Barnes by Kelly O'Connor.
Luke Lavoie is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com. Follow him on twitter @LukeALavoie.