June 21, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Chavis named Carolina League All-Star Game MVP
6/21 Cup of Coffee: Michael Chavis (pictured) provided all the offense and a stellar play on defense to earn MVP honors in the Carolina League All-Star Game in front of the home crowd in Salem. Three Drive players saw action in the South Atlantic League All-Star Game. Rusney Castillo racked up another multi-hit game in Pawtucket's loss. Danny Mars led an 11-hit night for Portland, but the Sea Dogs still fell. Lowell resumed its suspended opener and played a second game, getting key hits from Yoan Aybar.
-----
Rusney Castillo continued his torrid June with three more hits in Tuesday's loss, raising his average to .309. He was the only highlight on the offensive side, however, as just one Pawtucket runner got past second base all night. Jalen Beeks was charged with the loss, but posted his third straight quality start. He allowed three runs on four hits in 6 1/3 innings of work, walking three and racking up nine strikeouts.
-----
Danny Mars kicked off the game with a solo home run, but the rest of the night was filled with frustrations as the Sea Dogs left 10 men on base. Portland was held hitless in the final four innings of the game. Rafael Devers saw his average dip below .300 for the first time since June 1 with a 0-for-4 performance. Elih Villanueva took the loss, surrendering six runs (five earned) on seven hits with a walk and six strikeouts.
-----
In front of the home crowd at Haley Toyota Field, starting third baseman Michael Chavis drove in the game's only runs with a two-run double in the bottom of the first. That was enough to earn the 21-year-old righty the game's MVP honors. Josh Ockimey also got a starting nod, but went 0 for 3. Chad De La Guerra went 1 for 2 with a double. Trevor Kelley pitched a perfect seventh inning, striking out two. Dedgar Jimenez and Matthew Kent were also named to the All-Star team, but did not play.
-----
Logan Boyd was the second pitcher used by the South squad, but he was touched for three runs on four hits in his inning of work. He struck out two. Rodani Baldwin and Lorenzo Cedrola were the only Drive players to see action on offense, with Baldwin picking up a double. Stephen Nogosek was also named to the team, but did not play. The game was ended after seven innings due to rain.
-----
Lowell nearly erased a six-run deficit, but the rally came up just short in the game resumed from Monday's opener. Yoan Aybar went 3 for 4 and pulled Lowell within one with an RBI triple in the eighth, but Imeldo Diaz could not drive him in. Denyi Reyes worked around five hits and a walk in 2 2/3 innings, allowing two runs (one earned). Jay Groome ended up being charged with the loss, despite allowing just one run in his abbreviated return to the mound.
The Spinners bounced back in game two, with Juan Barriento hitting a two-run shot in the first. Aybar was at it again, driving in a key insurance run with another RBI triple. Yorvin Pantoja got the start for Lowell, allowing two runs on two hits with three walks and two strikeouts.
-----
Eduard Bazardo continued his hot start to the DSL season, despite giving up his first runs of the year. The 21-year-old Venezuela native hurled 5 2/3 innings of relief, allowing two runs on three hits with eight strikeouts and one walk. His ERA sits at 1.00 in 18 innings pitched. Reinaldo Ugeuto drove in a run on an RBI double.
-----
Player of the Night: It was only one hit, but since MVP honors came with it, Michael Chavis gets the nod. It was a fitting way to cap off what was a dominant first half for Chavis. He wrapped up the front half leading the Carolina League in all Triple Crown categories - .335 average, 16 homers, 54 RBIs - as well as leading the league in slugging (.675) and OPS (1.078).
Photo Credit: Michael Chavis by Kelly O'Connor