Cup of Coffee: A shutout, a blowout, and five rainouts

7/2 Cup of Coffee: The system had a full docket on Monday, with all seven teams on the schedule, but the weather did not cooperate - all games were affected, and only two teams ended up getting in their games at all.  Pawtucket got a complete game shutout from Steven Wright (pictured) after the start was delayed by rain, while Salem fell in a rain-shortened contest.

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Despite a 22-minute delay at the start, Pawtucket was the only team in the system to play a full nine innings on Monday. However, Wright made sure the bullpen got a night off in a 1-0 win over the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders (NYY). The knuckleballer pitched the third shutout of his professional career, and his first since joining the Red Sox organization. He scattered seven hits, walked four, and struck out three. He was aided by some timely pitches and some strong defense behind him, inducing four double plays on the evening. 

The offense delivered only five hits, but a fourth-inning rally was all the support Wright needed. With two outs, Xander Bogaerts walked and advanced two bases on an errant pick-off attempt. Ronald Bermudez then worked a full count before lining a single to left, scoring Bogaerts with what would prove to be the winning run. Bogaerts has had his way with Scranton pitching, going 4 for 8 with three walks in the first three games of a rare five-game set. 

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Portland's contest against the Trenton Thunder (NYY) was postponed and will be made up on August 31 as part of a doubleheader. 

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Salem was the other team to get in its game, falling 8-1 to the Myrtle Beach Pelicans (TEX) before the game was called after six innings by rain. Mickey Pena struggled, giving up eight runs on nine hits in only 2 2/3 innings, as his ERA rose to 6.16. Heri Quevedo provided some relief, tossing 3 1/3 shutout innings, while giving up two hits and striking out two without walking a batter.

At the plate, Keury De La Cruz followed up on his stellar month of June with a solid beginning to July, going 1 for 3. He has now reached base safely in 32 consecutive games. Stefan Welch and Henry Ramos both went 2 for 3 with a double for Salem.

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Greenville will make up its rainout against the Lexington Legends (KC) today as part of a doubleheader, beginning at 5:00pm.

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Likewise, Lowell was postponed and will play a doubleheader today against the Connecticut Tigers (DET). 

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The GCL Red Sox were rained out also in their matchup with the GCL Twins and will also be playing a Tuesday doubleheader, with the first pitch at 11:00 am.

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Finally, the DSL Red Sox and DSL Royals were unable to play as well. No make-up date has been announced.

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Player of the Day: It almost seems to be taunting Mother Nature to give out this award to anyone other than her, but Steven Wright deserves recognition for overcoming difficult conditions and several jams to deliver a complete game shutout against Scranton. The right-hander was efficient with his knuckler, needing only 96 pitches and inducing 14 ground balls, including four that were turned into double plays.

Photo Credit: Steven Wright by Kelly O'Connor

James Dunne is a Staff Writer for SoxProspects.com.

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