April 30, 2014 at 8:57 AM
Cup of Coffee: Betts continues to pace Portland
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A seven run second inning propelled the PawSox past the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (PHI) 8-0 in a rain shortened five inning contest. Anthony Ranaudo tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just two hits and two walks while striking out seven.
In the second, a sacrifice fly from Corey Brown in addition to RBI singles from Christian Vazquez and Daniel Nava put the PawSox up 3-0. The big blow for Lehigh Valley came when Bryce Brentz smacked a two-out grand slam, giving Pawtucket a comfortable seven run margin. Brock Holt added an RBI single in the third to cap scoring for the PawSox.
In the second, a sacrifice fly from Corey Brown in addition to RBI singles from Christian Vazquez and Daniel Nava put the PawSox up 3-0. The big blow for Lehigh Valley came when Bryce Brentz smacked a two-out grand slam, giving Pawtucket a comfortable seven run margin. Brock Holt added an RBI single in the third to cap scoring for the PawSox.
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The marvelous Mooke Betts once again led the way in a 10-2 victory over the Reading Fightin Phils (PHI). Keith Couch improved to 4-0 for his 6 2/3 inning effort. Couch allowed two runs on five hits while punching out seven. Noe Ramirez and Miguel Celestino combined to hurl 2 1/3 innings of scoreless relief.
Betts was 3 for 4 with a three-run home run and two runs scored. Deven Marrero was 2 for 4 was a double, RBI, and a run scored. Travis Shaw was 2 for 4 a two-run home run. The Sea Dogs now sit at 15-7, holding a half game lead over the Trenton Thunder (NYY) in the Eastern League.
Betts was 3 for 4 with a three-run home run and two runs scored. Deven Marrero was 2 for 4 was a double, RBI, and a run scored. Travis Shaw was 2 for 4 a two-run home run. The Sea Dogs now sit at 15-7, holding a half game lead over the Trenton Thunder (NYY) in the Eastern League.
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After getting off to a fast start, Greenville could not shake the Greensboro Grasshoppers (MIA), losing 4-3 in 11 innings. Jamie Callahan receive the start for the Drive, hurling five innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and a walk, striking out five. Joe Gunkel and Raynel Velette combined for five innings of scoreless relief.
Greenville plated a run in both the first and second inning on an RBI ground out by Jantzen Witte and a Jordan Weems RBI single. The Grasshoppers tied the game in the third and took the lead 3-2 in the fourth. The Drive tied the game in the ninth, on a two-out RBI single off the bat of Jake Romanski. The Grasshoppers secured the victory with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th.
Greenville plated a run in both the first and second inning on an RBI ground out by Jantzen Witte and a Jordan Weems RBI single. The Grasshoppers tied the game in the third and took the lead 3-2 in the fourth. The Drive tied the game in the ninth, on a two-out RBI single off the bat of Jake Romanski. The Grasshoppers secured the victory with a walk-off home run in the bottom of the 11th.
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Salem's contest against the Winston-Salem Dash (CHW) was postponed due to rain. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Wednesday, May 21st.
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Player of the Day: Mookie Betts. The 21-year-old second baseman continues to swing a hot bat, going 3 for 4 with a three-run home run and two runs scored in Portland's 10-2 victory over Reading. Betts is now hitting .422/.471/.689 with four home runs, 13 RBI, 10 doubles and 10 stolen bases. He is hitting an eye popping .463/.519/.731 during night games this season.
Photo Credit: Mookie Betts by Kelly O'Connor.