May 24, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Coyle's return boosts Portland in extra inning victory
-----
Pawtucket's recent struggles continued as they dropped their fifth game in a row, 4-0, to the Syracuse Chiefs (WAS). Chris Hernandez labored through 2 2/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits and three walks to drop to 1-5 on the season. Hernandez filled in for scheduled starter Brandon Workman, who was scratched before the game, likely signaling a call to Boston. Rich Hill pitched well in relief, striking out five and not allowing a baserunner in 2 1/3 innings.
The PawSox had a quiet night at the plate as Syracuse starter Aaron Laffey tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits. Daniel Nava and Ryan Lavarnway were both 1 for 4 with a double in the loss.
The PawSox had a quiet night at the plate as Syracuse starter Aaron Laffey tossed a complete game shutout, allowing just four hits. Daniel Nava and Ryan Lavarnway were both 1 for 4 with a double in the loss.
-----
Despite Mookie Betts going 0 for 5, Portland was able to squeeze out a 4-3 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR). Mike Augliera received the start for the Sea Dogs, hurling seven innings, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk in a no decision. Noe Ramirez picked up the victory for his three stellar innings of relief, allowing only a walk.
With the game scoreless in the second, Peter Hissey's RBI triple and Shannon Wilkerson's sacrifice fly put Portland up 2-0. A costly fielding error by the Fisher Cats third baseman led to a 3-0 Sea Dogs lead after three. New Hampshire would score one in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie the game. The contest remained deadlocked until the top of the tenth, when Sean Coyle (pictured, above) laced a two-out RBI double to put Portland on top, 4-3. The Fisher Cats went down in order in the bottom of the tenth as the Sea Dogs secured their sixth straight victory. Blake Swihart went 3 for 5 to lead the Portland offense. Coyle went 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Henry Ramos and Hissey each collected two hits.
With the game scoreless in the second, Peter Hissey's RBI triple and Shannon Wilkerson's sacrifice fly put Portland up 2-0. A costly fielding error by the Fisher Cats third baseman led to a 3-0 Sea Dogs lead after three. New Hampshire would score one in the fourth and two in the fifth to tie the game. The contest remained deadlocked until the top of the tenth, when Sean Coyle (pictured, above) laced a two-out RBI double to put Portland on top, 4-3. The Fisher Cats went down in order in the bottom of the tenth as the Sea Dogs secured their sixth straight victory. Blake Swihart went 3 for 5 to lead the Portland offense. Coyle went 2 for 5 with an RBI and a run scored. Henry Ramos and Hissey each collected two hits.
-----
Salem's lineup got contributions throughout the order as they easily topped the Potomac Nationals (WAS), 8-2. Simon Mercedes improved to 2-4 as he hurled six innings, allowing one run on five hits and two walks, punching out four. Madison Younginer added two innings of scoreless relief, allowing two hits and a walk, striking out three.
Every member of the Red Sox lineup had at least one hit, with the exception of Kevin Mager and Dreily Guerrero, who were both 0 for 4. Mario Martinez was 3 for 4 with two runs scored, a double and an RBI to lead the Salem offense. Bo Greenwell, Jonathan Roof, and Aneury Tavarez each had two hits, with Tavarez adding two RBI. Jayson Hernandez hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second inning.
Every member of the Red Sox lineup had at least one hit, with the exception of Kevin Mager and Dreily Guerrero, who were both 0 for 4. Mario Martinez was 3 for 4 with two runs scored, a double and an RBI to lead the Salem offense. Bo Greenwell, Jonathan Roof, and Aneury Tavarez each had two hits, with Tavarez adding two RBI. Jayson Hernandez hit his first home run of the season, a two-run shot in the second inning.
-----
A trio of Greenville pitchers combined to shut down the Augusta GreenJackets (SFG), 2-0. Joe Gunkel tossed four hitless innings, allowing a walk while punching out six. Jacob Dahlstrand picked up the victory as he added three scoreless innings of relief, allowing Augusta's two hits and a walk. Mike Adams notched his second save for two scoreless innings of relief, striking out three.
Despite being 0 for 12 with runners in scoring position, the Drive were able to push across a run in the first on Carlos Asuaje's RBI ground out, and a run in the seventh on a Tzu-Wei Lin bases loaded walk. Stephen Drew made his 2014 debut, going 1 for 2 with a single.
-----
Player of the Night: Sean Coyle, who returned from the disabled list to lead Portland to an extra inning victory. Coyle was 2 for 5 on the evening with a game winning RBI double. The 22-year-old infielder has put up a fantastic start to 2014, hitting .323/.382/.484 with two home runs, 11 RBI and four doubles in 19 games.
Photo Credit: Sean Coyle by Kelly O'Connor