April 28, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Bradley, Berry support Johnson in PawSox win
4/28 Cup of Coffee: It was an already abbreviated schedule on Monday with Salem and Greenville having scheduled days off, and rain in Porland shortened it even further. The Sea Dogs were tied up at two when their game was suspended in the bottom of the second inning. Pawtucket rolled to victory in the only completed game of the night.
-----
The PawSox scored two runs in the first inning to give Brian Johnson all the run support he needed. Johnson was slightly less dominant than in his three previous starts of the year, struggling some with his control with five walks and a wild pitch in his five innings of work. However, he was still tough on the Chiefs lineup, striking out six and allowing one run on only two hits. The third-inning score (by old friend Dan Butler) was only the second earned run allowed this season by Johnson. His ERA through 21 innings is a microscopic 0.86.
Out of the bullpen, Zeke Spruill bounced back from a tough outing on Saturday with two scoreless innings. He struck out one and surrendered a pair of hits. Tommy Layne earned the two-inning save, allowing one hit and striking out three without issuing a walk.
Three-hit nights from Jackie Bradley Jr. and Quintin Berry (pictured, above right) keyed the offense. Bradley also ripped his team-leading seventh double, while Berry drove in two runs and also stole a pair of bases. Blake Swihart also had a good night for the PawSox, going 2 for 4 with a run scored.
-----
Portland fans got an appearance from Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler, but did not get the benefit of a dry night or a full baseball game. The contest was suspended due to rain with one out in the bottom of the second right after Tim Roberson scored the tying run on a Kevin Heller double. The game will be completed on Tuesday before the two squads meet for their regularly-scheduled matchup.
-----
Player of the Day: Though the competition wasn't as fierce as some days, with only 12 players in the organization appearing in a complete game, Quintin Berry is a worthy recipient for his play on Monday. As part of a three-hit night, Berry drove in two of the three PawSox runs, and stole two bases. The multi-hit games ended a 2-for-22 slide from the veteran outfielder.
Photo Credit: Quintin Berry by Kelly O'Connor