Cup of Coffee: Moore homers twice to power Spinners

7/15 Cup of Coffee: Monday was quiet in the Red Sox system, as Pawtucket was off for the Triple-A All-Star break and wet weather forced a pair of rainouts. Only three teams ended up getting games in, as Portland and Lowell came out victorious and the DSL Red Sox fell in their contest.

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Portland continues its dominance at Hadlock Field with a 6-2 victory over the New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR). Mike Augliera turned in an outstanding start for the Sea Dogs, allowing two runs on six hits in 7 2/3 innings, striking out four and walking one. The right-hander earned his first win since May 18, which was also the last time he was able to pitch into the eighth inning. Augliera's control continues to be impressive, as he extended his streak of walking one or fewer batters to 13 starts. Robby Scott and Noe Ramirez combined for the final 1 1/3. 

At the plate, Heiker Meneses led the charge with a 2-for-3 night with a double and home run. The homer was his first since May 23, 2013. Blake Swihart was 2 for 4 with a double and a run scored, and Michael Almanzar also had two hits with a walk and a pair of runs driven in.

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Salem's game with the Wilmington Blue Rocks (KC) was postponed by rain. The game will be made up at a date to be announced during Salem's next trip to Wilmington from August 30 to September 1. 

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Lowell banged out 17 hits to knock off the Mahoning Valley Scrappers (CLE), 8-5. Nick Moore (pictured) led the attack, delivering a solo home run in the third inning and a three-run shot that put the Spinners in the lead for good in the seventh. Moore also got his first ever start in the outfield, after appearing in 168 games as a professional as a corner infielder and designated hitter. Danny Mars continues to swing a hot bat. The center fielder went 3 for 5, his third consecutive multi-hit game, raising his batting average to a robust .390. Deiner Lopez also added a trio of hits for the Spinners. Every member of the Lowell lineup had at least one hit on the night.

Ty Buttrey took the mound as he continues his rehab, and the 6-foot-6 righty had his best start of the year at any level. Buttrey fired four hitless innings, striking out four and walking two. Edwar Garcia struggled in relief, allowing four runs on three hits in 1 2/3. The win went to Ellis Jimenez, who gave up a run in 2 1/3 innings, and Carlos Pinales struck out a pair in a perfect ninth to earn his eighth save.

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The game between the GCL Red Sox and GCL Orioles was rained out, and will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday. While the teams did not get any baseball in on Monday, there was interesting news as Jon Denney was listed as the starting designated hitter for the Sox. Denney has missed all of 2014 due a suspension following an arrest in Fort Myers during spring training.

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The DSL Red Sox fell 6-4 to the DSL Mets1. Enmanuel De Jesus started, giving up two runs (one earned) on five hits in four innings of work. Jervis Torrealba took the loss in relief, giving up four runs in two innings. The four runs allowed match the total that Torrealba had given up in 27 innings across his previous 10 outings. Alejandro Rodriguez tossed two scoreless innings, giving up a hit and striking out a pair. Yoan Aybar continues to impress at plate, going 2 for 4 with a triple, RBI, and run scored. Roldani Baldwin doubled twice in his 2-for-4 day. 

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Player of the Day: Playing in a new position seemed to agree with Nick Moore. In his first professional start in the outfield, Moore delivered his first ever two-homer performance. With three home runs on the year, he has matched his total from 81 games in 2013.

Photo Credit: Nick Moore by Kelly O'Connor

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