May 28, 2017 at 11:51 AM
Cup of Coffee: Chavis, Ockimey homer, Velazquez bounces back
5/28 Cup of Coffee: Pawtucket was the only affiliate to win Saturday, as Bryce Brentz stayed hot with a home run. Hector Velazquez pitched seven strong innings in his first start back with Triple-A. Michael Chavis (pictured) and Josh Ockimey each went deep for Salem.
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After a rough outing in Oakland at the big-league level, Hector Velazquez bounced back nicely with seven innings of two-run ball. He struck out seven and walked only one. Jamie Callahan and Chandler Shepherd combined for two innings, three strikeouts, and no walks in relief. Steve Selsky and Bryce Brentz did most of the damage, with Selsky blasting a three-run shot and Brentz belting a two-run shot in a multi-hit effort. Pablo Sandoval was 0 for 3 with a walk in another rehab game.
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It wasn't pretty for the Sea Dogs, as Kevin McAvoy was roughed up for six earned runs. Ty Buttrey gave up five hits and three runs, but was able to strikeout six and did not allow a walk in 2 1/3 innings. He showed some good stuff and good control, but SoxProspects.com's Director of Scouting notes that he struggled a bit with command. Rafael Devers struck out three times and continues to slump and chase pitches out of the zone. Tzu-Wei Lin and Nick Longhi both reached twice with a single and a walk each.
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Michael Chavis, Josh Ockimey, and Trent Kemp were bright spots in a loss, as they each went deep. Chavis also had a single and continues to have a monster year, hitting .365 with 12 long balls. Shaun Anderson lasted five innings and allowed three runs on three hits and three walks with four strikeouts.
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The Drive out-hit the RiverDogs by 5-3, but came up short. Ryan Scott and Mitchell Gunsolus each had a single and a walk. Robby Sexton pitched very well, allowing just one run on two hits in six innings. Hunter Smith was also solid in relief with a pair of shutout innings.
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Player of the Night: Hector Velazquez got hit around in his major league debut, but he didn't let it faze him Saturday, as he picked up where he left off in Triple-A. He now has a 1.75 ERA with 27 strikeouts and just six walks in 36 innings with Pawtucket.
Photo Credit: Michael Chavis by Kelly O'Connor