June 17, 2015 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Masterson notches quality start, Margot homers
6/17 Cup of Coffee: Several players who are likely to help the big league club later this year contributed for the PawSox, including Justin Masterson, who made a rehab appearance, and Matt Barnes, who was just optioned. Jordan Betts hit a clutch home run for Salem, while Manuel Margot (pictured) also went deep. Nick Longhi stayed hot for the Drive, and Michael Chavis connected on his sixth home run of the year.
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The PawSox struck out 18 times and collected only six hits as they were shut out by the Knights. Justin Masterson made his fourth rehab start, allowing two runs on four hits in six innings, while walking three and striking out four. He has now thrown 18 1/3 innings in his rehab starts, giving up seven earned runs. Matt Barnes made his first appearance since being sent back down, tossing one inning of scoreless relief with two strikeouts, and Pat Light followed with a shutout inning of his own.
Jackie Bradley Jr. hit his 16th double of the year, but also struck out three times, putting a dent in what has been a solid strikeout rate this season. After striking out in over 31 percent of his at-bats in Boston last season, Bradley has cut his rate to under 18 percent so far in Pawtucket. Allen Craig went 1 for 2 with two walks, and Quintin Berry also added a hit and two walks.
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Four Portland errors led to three unearned runs in a sloppy loss for the Sea Dogs. Mike Augliera gave up eight hits over five innings, but only two of the five runs he allowed were earned. Kyle Kraus was solid in relief, surrendering one run in his three innings. Marco Hernandez's solo home run accounted for all of the offense, but he also committed two errors at shortstop. Oscar Tejeda, Keury De La Cruz, and Luis Martinez were the only other Sea Dogs to record a hit.
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A two-out home run from Jordan Betts in the top of the ninth broke a tie, propelling Salem to victory. Kevin McAvoy had a bit of a strange line, limiting the Blue Rocks to two runs on five hits over six innings, but also walked three batters without recording a strikeout. McAvoy recorded 12 of his outs on the ground, as he used his sinker to get easy outs.
Of Salem's five hits, two came from Manuel Margot, who had a home run, walk, and stole his 18th base. Betts went 1 for 4, but made the one hit count, as his third home run of the season proved to be the difference.
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The ball was flying out of NewBridge Bank Park last night, with the two teams combining to slug five home runs. Jalen Beeks allowed three of those home runs, as he gave up six runs over five innings, but he did strikeout seven without walking a batter, as the left-hander continues to show strong control. Michael Chavis and Mike Meyers each hit home runs for the Drive, with Meyers adding two singles and Chavis drawing a walk. Nick Longhi drove in a run as part of a 2 for 4 night, and he is now batting .420 over his last 50 at-bats.
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DSL Rojos (CIN) 11, DSL Red Sox 0
Not much went right for the Red Sox yesterday, as they dropped to 5-9 on the young season. Alejandro Rodriguez got the loss after allowing three runs, two earned, over four innings, walking one and striking out seven. The Rojos did more damage to the bullpen, getting to Victor Familia and Juan Perez for eight runs over the last four innings.
Willis Figueroa continued his strong start to the season, raising his on-base percentage to .473 with a hit and a walk in four plate appearances. Dawill Aponte had the team's only extra-base hit, a second inning double, and also drew a walk.
DSL Red Sox2 9, DSL Braves (ATL) 6
The second DSL squad relied on their speed to topple the Braves. The team had 10 hits on the day, but nine of them were singles, with only Lorenzo Cedrola's triple providing any power. It did not matter though, as they stole five bases to set themselves up in scoring position. Carlos Pulido had three run-scoring singles, driving in a total of four runs as he boosted his average up to an even .400.
On the mound, Nicolo Clemente got the win with 2 2/3 innings of two-run ball, and Angel Padron earned the save with two perfect innings to end the game.
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DSL Rojos (CIN) 11, DSL Red Sox 0
Not much went right for the Red Sox yesterday, as they dropped to 5-9 on the young season. Alejandro Rodriguez got the loss after allowing three runs, two earned, over four innings, walking one and striking out seven. The Rojos did more damage to the bullpen, getting to Victor Familia and Juan Perez for eight runs over the last four innings.
Willis Figueroa continued his strong start to the season, raising his on-base percentage to .473 with a hit and a walk in four plate appearances. Dawill Aponte had the team's only extra-base hit, a second inning double, and also drew a walk.
DSL Red Sox2 9, DSL Braves (ATL) 6
The second DSL squad relied on their speed to topple the Braves. The team had 10 hits on the day, but nine of them were singles, with only Lorenzo Cedrola's triple providing any power. It did not matter though, as they stole five bases to set themselves up in scoring position. Carlos Pulido had three run-scoring singles, driving in a total of four runs as he boosted his average up to an even .400.
On the mound, Nicolo Clemente got the win with 2 2/3 innings of two-run ball, and Angel Padron earned the save with two perfect innings to end the game.
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Player of the Night: Manuel Margot showed off his power and speed on Tuesday as he led Salem to an impressive win. While the home run was only his second of the season, he has a team-high five triples and 18 stolen bases despite missing a few weeks due to injury. The walk was also significant, as it was the first one he drew since coming off the disabled list on May 30.
Photo Credit: Manuel Margot by Kelly O'Connor