August 13, 2016 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Haley dominates, Moncada moves to third
8/13 Cup of Coffee: Top prospect Yoan Moncada took the next step to the major leagues, making his first start as a third baseman in Portland’s blowout loss. Justin Haley (pictured) continued his strong season with eight shutout innings, while the Salem offense did just enough to pick up a win. Greenville, Lowell, and GCL Red Sox suffered offensive outages in losses.
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The Bisons had no answer for Justin Haley all night, as the Pawtucket starter twirled eight shutout innings to earn his seventh win. While Haley largely pitched to contact — striking out just three batters — he allowed just two hits, both singles. Joe Kelly finished the game with a 1-2-3 ninth. The Paw Sox offense did most of its damage in a three-run third inning, powered by a two-run triple by red-hot Rusney Castillo. It was the third three-bagger in as many games for Castillo, but an awkward slide into third base forced him to leave the game after scoring a Ryan LaMarre single. LaMarre reached base four times with two hits and two walks. Jantzen Witte, Deven Marrero, and Mike Miller each singled and scored a run.
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It was a long night for the Sea Dogs, with Akron pounding out 20 hits and 18 runs in a rout. Portland starter Jacob Dahlstrand was roughed up for eight hits and seven runs in 3 1/3 innings, and every reliever allowed multiple runs. Cody Decker’s team-leading 11th home run accounted for Portland’s only offense. Yoan Moncada had a notable day, starting at third base for the first time in his career. He made the play on his only ground ball attempt in the third and caught a popup. The position change did not affect his bat, as he reached base three times with a double and two walks.
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After erupting to a 7-0 lead after four innings, Salem needed every run to hold off a late Wilmington push. The Red Sox scored four runs in the second inning behind RBI hits from Joseph Monge, Rafael Devers, and Nick Longhi. Monge, Devers, Danny Mars and Deiner Lopez each contributed two hits. Daniel McGrath took the ball for Salem and looked sharp in six innings, allowing just one unearned run on three hits. But reliever Jeffry Fernandez struggled as Wilmington started its comeback with a pair of runs off Fernandez in the seventh and eighth innings. Mario Alcantara allowed a run of his own but nailed down the save with 1 2/3 innings.
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Charleston jumped on Greenville starter Roniel Raudes for three runs in four innings and stifled the Drive offense all night. Raudes lasted just four innings, allowing three runs and striking out four. The bullpen looked strong behind him, with Marc Brakeman and Kuehl McEachern tossing scoreless innings and Adam Lau surrendering just one run in three innings. The Drive couldn’t manage much offense, gathering just four singles. Josh Ockimey had the best night, reaching base three times with a single and two walks. Mitchell Gunsolus and Nick Lovullo each reached twice.
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Lowell and Aberdeen combined for just six hits in a defensive affair, but the IronBirds converted their chances in a 2-0 win. Darwinzon Hernandez looked strong despite taking the loss. He struck out nine batters and allowed just two hits and one run across five innings. Daniel Zandona tossed the final three innings, coughing up a solo home run but no other hits. The Lowell offense was quiet all night, mustering just three singles off the bats of Bobby Dalbec, Tucker Tubbs, and Yoan Aybar.
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The GCL Red Sox whacked 10 hits but converted them into just one run in a narrow loss Friday. Starter Victor Garcia pitched five innings of one-run ball for the Red Sox, striking out three. Devon Fisher held the Twins scoreless over the next two innings, but Francisco Soto coughed up the decisive run in the eighth. Stanley Espinal and Alberto Schmidt each finished 2 for 4 with a double, and Juan Barriento chipped in two hits and the team’s lone RBI.
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The Red Sox got back to their winning ways behind a five-run fourth inning and three more in the 10th to secure an extra-inning victory. Eddy Reynoso and Ricardo Cubillan each blasted a pair of hits and scored two runs. Elwin Tejada and Ramfis Berroa contributed doubles and two RBI. Starter Ritzi Mendoza allowed two runs in five innings before Antonio Police coughed up three runs to surrender the lead. Eduard Bazardo continued his strong season in relief with four shutout innings, striking out seven and picking up the win.
Bryan Mata picked up the win for the Red Sox with five innings of two-hit, one-run ball. Mata left with a 5-1 lead thanks to potent Red Sox offense. Everlouis Lozada went 3 for 4 with a double, walk and two runs scored out of the leadoff spot. Eduard Conde had a big night with two hits and three RBI.
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Player of the Night: Justin Haley posted his third consecutive scoreless start, dropping his ERA to 2.78 in 11 starts with Pawtucket. His eight-inning outing matches a season high and pushes his scoreless streak to 21 innings. The 6-foot-5 righty posted a 2.20 ERA with Portland before his promotion this year and has not missed a beat at the top minor league level, owning a dominant 1.07 WHIP and .219 average against at Triple-A.
Photo Credit: Justin Haley by Kelly O'Connor