April 12, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Lakins impresses on mound, Tavarez hits walk-off
4/12 Cup of Coffee: Two Red Sox affiliates got stellar starts from their pitchers, as Travis Lakins (pictured) and Shaun Anderson propelled Salem and Greenville to wins, respectively. The Portland Sea Dogs walked off to their best start since 2005 thanks to Aneury Tavarez. Pawtucket rode a hot night from Blake Swihart to a win, but a scary moment on the field overshadowed his performance.
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Blake Swihart continued his hot start to the season with a 2-for-3 night with three RBI and his first home run of the season. But, he collided hard with Sam Travis in the ninth inning, according to multiple Twitter reports, and Travis had to be removed with a cut on his chin. Rusney Castillo went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Edgar Olmos, Erik Cordier, and Noe Ramirez combined for 4 1/3 scoreless innings of relief.
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Just nine days after returning to the Red Sox organization, former Rule 5 pick Aneury Tavarez carried Portland to their fifth win with a walk-off single in the tenth. Mike Olt clubbed his first home run of the season. Rafael Devers was held to a one-hit performance. Kevin McAvoy took the no-decision despite posting a quality start with six innings of one-run ball.
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For the second straight start to begin the season, Travis Lakins racked up the strikeouts for Salem. This time, he punched out eight in six innings, walking just one and allowing only one earned run. Josh Ockimey continued to rake, going 4 for 5 with a double and a run, raising his early-season average to .522. Josh Tobias provided the big blow with a three-run home run in a seven-run fifth inning. Austin Rei collected a pair of doubles and a pair of runs in a 2-for-5 game.
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2016 third-round draft pick Shaun Anderson also posted his second straight solid start with six strong innings. He did not allow a run, struck out six and walked none. Stephen Nogosek escaped with a save after allowing two runs in the ninth, inducing a key double play. Tyler Hill and Roldani Baldwin provided all of Greenville's offense, each hitting a two-run home run.
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Player of the Night: While Josh Ockimey could be considered for a second-straight Player of the Night, it was Travis Lakins who really turned heads with another excellent start. He has already notched 17 strikeouts through two starts this season, with an ERA of 0.79. Lakins threw just 87 pitches, with 55 of those going for strikes.
Photo Credit: Travis Lakins by Kelly O'Connor