May 23, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Chavis, Ockimey power Salem
5/23 Cup of Coffee: It was a light slate on Monday with Pawtucket off and Portland postponed. Michael Chavis, Josh Ockimey (pictured), and the rest of Salem's offense came through in support of Roniel Raudes, and Greenville's bullpen kept the Drive in the game after a rocky start from Robby Sexton.
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Portland Sea Dogs vs. New Hampshire Fisher Cats (TOR), PPD
The opening game of Portland's four-game set with the Fisher Cats was postponed due to unplayable field conditions. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader on Tuesday at 5:35 p.m.
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A late offensive outburst propelled Salem as they doubled up the Pelicans. It was the usual suspects doing damage, with Michael Chavis going 3 for 5 with two runs scored and two RBI. Chavis now has at least two hits in 11 of the 21 games he has played in May. Josh Ockimey launched a two-run home run, his fifth of the year, and Trenton Kemp went 2 for 5 to push his average up to .391. Chad De La Guerra continued to be an on-base machine, reaching base four times via a single and three walks as his on-base percentage rose to .415.
The struggles for Roniel Raudes continued, as the right-hander gave up four runs on eight hits over 5 2/3 innings. He struck out four and did not walk anyone, and he was able to settle down and retire the last six batters he faced. The 19-year-old has an ERA of 4.93 and batters are hitting .293 against him.
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A four-run first inning was enough for the Intimidators as they squeaked past the Drive. Robby Sexton dropped to 0-4 after he allowed four runs on seven hits over three innings. Pat Goetze followed with three shutout innings, and Stephen Nogosek closed it out with two scoreless innings. Lorenzo Cedrola collected two of the Drive's seven hits, while Isaias Lucena added a single and a walk.
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Player of the Night: Josh Ockimey went 1 for 4 with a walk but he made the one hit count, as his two-run home run proved to be the game-winner. The home run was Ockimey's first since May 3 and entered the game with just three extra-base hits, all doubles, over his last 16 starts. The 21-year-old has shown an impressive eye this year as he leads the system with 27 walks, but he is also striking out in almost 30 percent of his at-bats.
Photo Credit: Josh Ockimey by Kelly O'Connor