April 8, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Devers homers in first Double-A at-bat
4/8 Cup of Coffee: Top hitting prospects made some noise last night, as Sam Travis (pictured), Rafael Devers, and Bobby Dalbec each played well offensively. Shawn Haviland, Teddy Stankiewicz, and Darwinzon Hernandez provided solid starts as all four affiliates won.
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Sam Travis had a terrific night in his first Triple-A game since tearing his ACL by going 2 for 4 with two doubles and two walks. Six PawSox hitters had multiple hits and Blake Swihart looked comfortable at the plate despite an 0-for-4 showing. Shawn Haviland was solid in his first start of the year, and Chandler Shepherd had four strikeouts in 2 1/3 scoreless frames. Jason Varitek was at the ballpark with the PawSox.
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Rafael Devers launched a home run in his first Double-A at-bat as part of a 1-for-4 night. Aneury Tavarez also homered in the win. Teddy Stankiewicz threw six solid frames, allowing just two runs, and Ty Buttrey and Austin Maddox closed it out with five strikeouts and no runs combined in three innings. SoxProspects.com's Director of Scouting Ian Cundall and Assistant Director of Scouting Chaz Fiorino were in attendance and shared some observations on Twitter.
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Salem stormed back with six runs in the bottom of the ninth to win a slugfest. Austin Rei did the honors with a walk-off single. He was 2 for 4 with three RBI, and Josh Tobias went 2 for 4 with a double, a walk, two runs, and two RBI. Austin Glorius and Bobby Poyner highlighted the pitching staff, with Poyner notching three strikeouts and no walks in two innings.
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Bobby Dalbec had another good night offensively, going 2 for 4 with two RBI. Santiago Espinal added a pair of hits as well. The bullpen was sharp for the Drive after a nice start from Darwinzon Hernandez, who struck out seven in five innings while allowing just three hits and two walks. Hunter Smith struck out four and did not walk anybody in three scoreless relief innings, and Matthew Gorst picked up a save.
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Player of the Night: Sam Travis continued his hot spring on a frigid night in Lehigh Valley. He reached base four times in six plate appearances, with two doubles and two walks. Travis is ranked fourth here at SoxProspects.com.
Photo Credit: Sam Travis by Kelly O'Connor