July 23, 2014 at 8:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Light shines bright for Salem
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Pawtucket completed a quick two game sweep of the Syracuse Chiefs (WAS) 9-3. Mookie Betts was 2 for 5 with a triple and three RBI from atop the order. Jonathan Herrera also added two hits, notching two RBI as he continued to swing a hot bat since joining the PawSox. Will Middlebrooks was 2 for 5, serving as the designated hitter.
Matt Barnes improved to 5-7, allowing two runs on three hits and two walks, striking out a pair in 6 1/3 innings of work. Chris Hernandez notched his first career save as he tossed 1 2/3 innings of scoreless relief.
The PawSox have now won seven straight and retain a half game lead over Rochester in the wild card standings. The victory moves Pawtucket just 3.5 games behind Syracuse for first place in the International League's North Division.
The PawSox have now won seven straight and retain a half game lead over Rochester in the wild card standings. The victory moves Pawtucket just 3.5 games behind Syracuse for first place in the International League's North Division.
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Portland walked off with a 4-3 victory over the Binghamton Mets (NYM). The rehabbing Ryan Lavarnway went 1 for 3 with a solo home run in his second game for the Sea Dogs. Shannon Wilkerson was 2 for 4 with two RBI singles. Jonathan Roof, who replaced Lavarnway in the seventh, doubled home Blake Swihart in the bottom of the ninth to break a 3-3 tie.
Luis Diaz pitched well, allowing three runs on five hits and a walk, striking out seven in seven innings. Pete Ruiz picked up the victory, hurling two shutout innings of relief, striking out two. Ruiz has been fantastic since joining the Sea Dogs, going 2-0 with a 1.88 ERA in 14.1 innings pitched.
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Salem made it look easy in a 10-0 shutout of the Lynchburg Hillcats (ATL). Carlos Asuaje had his best game since being called up from Greenville, going 2 for 4 with a home run and two runs batted in. Matt Gedman led the Red Sox with three hits, driving in a pair of runs. Matty Johnson went 2 for 4 with an RBI triple. Reed Gragnani added two hits as he continued his stellar season, raising his average to .324/.420/.428 on the season.
Pat Light turned in a superb outing, tossing six innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out five. Light has now allowed one run or less in 4 out of his last 5 starts. Kyle Kraus added three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit and punching out three as he collected his second save.
Pat Light turned in a superb outing, tossing six innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out five. Light has now allowed one run or less in 4 out of his last 5 starts. Kyle Kraus added three scoreless innings of relief, allowing just one hit and punching out three as he collected his second save.
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After a six game road trip, Lowell returned home and were dropped by the Vermont Lake Monsters (OAK), 7-5. Danny Mars was 1 for 5 with a two run double. Bryan Hudson led the Spinners with three hits, including a double. Mauricio Dubon and Raymel Flores each were 2 for 4 with a pair of singles in the loss.
Making his third professional start, Reed Reilly tossed four innings, allowing one run on three hits, walking one and striking out one. Mario Alcantara had a rough outing, allowing four runs on five hits and a walk in just 1 2/3 innings of relief to pick up the loss.
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The GCL Red Sox fell victim to mother nature once again, having their contest against the GCL Rays (TB) rained out. Amazingly, this is the team's eighth game rained out this month. The two teams are scheduled to complete a doubleheader today starting at 11 AM.
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The DSL Red Sox continued their domination in a 3-2 victory over the DSL Orioles2 (BAL). Isaias Lucena and Rolandi Baldwin each had an RBI double. Gerardo Carrizalez added an RBI single.
Ritzi Mendoza continued to pitch well, moving to 4-0, thanks to five shutout innings in which he allowed just two hits and a walk while punching out three. Shair Lacrus added three scoreless innings of relief, striking out five. Despite a shaky ninth inning, Marcos Lantigua collected his first career save.
The DSL Sox are now 31-13 and sit a game ahead of the second place DSL Giants in the BC South Division.
Ritzi Mendoza continued to pitch well, moving to 4-0, thanks to five shutout innings in which he allowed just two hits and a walk while punching out three. Shair Lacrus added three scoreless innings of relief, striking out five. Despite a shaky ninth inning, Marcos Lantigua collected his first career save.
The DSL Sox are now 31-13 and sit a game ahead of the second place DSL Giants in the BC South Division.
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Player of the Day: Pat Light, who tossed six shutout innings, allowing just two hits and three walks while striking out five in Salem's 10-0 victory over Lynchburg. The 23-year-old right-hander has seemingly found success lately, as he has allowed a run or less in 4 out of his last five outings. The 2012 first round pick is 6-5 with a 5.12 ERA in 19 starts this season between Low-A Greenville and High-A Salem.
Photo Credit: Pat Light by Kelly O'Connor