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June 8, 2017 at 7:00 AM

Cup of Coffee: Madera, Hill lead Greenville attack


6/7 Cup of Coffee: It was a day for bullpens to shine in the system, as starters struggled to get out of the early innings. Edgar Olmos did not allow a hit in the second game of a doubleheader for Pawtucket. Michael Chavis picked up yet another RBI for Salem. Chris Madera (pictured) and Tyler Hill sparked the Greenville offense to a win.

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Posting one of the stranger pitching lines of the season, Henry Owens did not allow a hit until the fifth inning of game one of Pawtucket's doubleheader, but walked three and hit a pair of batters. He ultimately allowed just one run on two hits, but could not escape the fifth as he reached 103 pitches in just 4 1/3 innings of work. Brian Bogusevic kicked off the Pawtucket offense with a two-run homer and Allen Craig added a pair of doubles and an RBI.

Hector Velazquez got the start for Pawtucket, but it was Edgar Olmos who impressed out of the bullpen. Olmos threw five no-hit innings of relief to keep Syracuse off the board and earn the win. According to Alex Speier of the Boston Globe, Velazquez was lifted after just one inning to keep him available for an emergency call up to Boston in case Brian Johnson is still injured by his next scheduled start. Heiker Meneses drove in a run and started a pair of 4-6-3 double plays in the field.

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It was an afternoon to forget for Portland in game one, with the Sea Dogs pitchers surrendering 22 hits and four home runs and fielders committing four errors. Making his first professional start since 2015, Elih Villanueva was tagged for eight runs (seven earned) on 10 hits in 3 1/3 innings. Williams Jerez fared even worse in relief, allowing eight runs on seven hits and two walks in 1 1/3 innings. Nick Longhi hit a pair of doubles and drove in a run. Rafael Devers had a rough first game, going 0 for 3 and committing a throwing error.

Another rough start put Portland in an early hole as Jake Drehoff allowed six runs (five earned) in the first two innings. Bobby Poyner was finally able to stop the bleeding, hurling four shutout innings of relief, collecting six strikeouts. Portland was able to rally to tie the game, thanks in part to a 2-for-4 performance from Mike Olt. The third baseman drove in three on a double and a solo home run.

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The red-hot Michael Chavis was held to just a single on Wednesday, but he did drive in his 49th run of the season. Jose Sermo clubbed a solo shot for his fourth homer of the year. Tate Matheny went 2 for 4 with a pair of runs scored and his 13th stolen base. Matthew Kent picked up his fourth win, going 6 1/3 innings.

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The Drive pounded out 13 hits en route to Wednesday's win, with Tyler Hill posting a 3-for-5 night. Chris Madera had a superb game, going 2 for 3 with a solo home run, a walk and three runs scored. Darwinzon Hernandez was pulled after just one inning of work in his first start coming off of the disabled list. Hernandez gave up two runs on two hits and two walks and needed 38 pitches to get out of the inning, likely leading to his early hook. Robby Sexton held down the fort in relief, hurling six shutout innings. Steve Nogosek picked up his 11th save of the season in two innings of work.

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The DSL Sox let a three-run lead slip away, but were able to pul out the win in extras. Leadoff man Alexander Martinez went 2 for 4 with a pair of walks, a stolen base, an RBI and two runs scored. Eduard Bazardo was excellent out of the bullpen, throwing four innings of one-hit ball, striking out five and walking none.

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Player of the Night: With a productive night out of the leadoff spot, Chris Madera gets Player of the Night honors. The 24-year-old Dominican Republic native has posted an impressive .321/.410/.434 slash line in 29 games for Greenville this season. Madera's third home run of the season is already a single-season high for him in his professional career.

Photo Credit: Chris Madera by Kelly O'Connor