July 3, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Brentz collects four hits in PawSox loss
7/3 Cup of Coffee: It wasn't a successful day in the Red Sox system as all five active affiliates lost on Sunday afternoon. Shaky starting pitching was the main suspect as Shawn Haviland, Trey Ball, and Bryan Mata struggled for the PawSox, Sea Dogs, and Drive. Salem starter Roniel Raudes turned in a strong outing but it wasn't enough as the Red Sox were shut out. PawSox right fielder Bryce Brentz (pictured) was one of few bright spots on the day, going 4 for 5 with a double and a triple in a losing effort.
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The PawSox were on the losing end of a slugfest on Sunday as starting pitcher Shawn Haviland was rocked for eight runs in three innings. Ty Buttrey and Chandler Shepherd each allowed three runs before Ben Taylor tossed a scoreless frame. Bryce Brentz had a huge day at the plate, going 4 for 5 with a double, triple, and three RBI. Jhonny Peralta, starting at designated hitter, went 2 for 5 with two RBI.
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Southpaw Trey Ball continued his rough campaign, dropping to 2-7 on the season after allowing four runs on six hits and three walks in five innings. Jake Drehoff allowed a run in two innings and Luis Ysla struck out the side in a shutout inning of relief. Second baseman Deiner Lopez was the standout in Portland's lineup as he collected three of the team's eight hits, including a double, and scored a run.
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The Red Sox offense was held in check on Sunday afternoon in a complete game shutout by Scott Blewett, ranked by Baseball America as the Royals' sixth-best prospect. Salem recorded only four hits, with Chris Madera, Jordan Betts, and Nick Lovullo hitting singles and Jose Sermo doubling. Roniel Raudes allowed only two runs in 6 2/3 innings, though he walked four. Jordan Weems threw 1 1/3 innings of shutout relief.
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Bryan Mata has been excellent thus far in his stateside debut with Greenville but he encountered his first roadblock on Sunday, allowing six runs on ten hits in 4 1/3 innings. Pat Goetze gave up two runs in 2 2/3 innings of relief and Matthew Gorst threw two scoreless. Third baseman Mitchell Gunsolus was the offensive highlight, reaching base four times with a double and a run. Tyler Hill was 2 for 5 with a stolen base and a run.
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The Lowell pitching staff was unable to contain Vermont on Sunday. Starting pitcher Enmanuel De Jesus allowed three runs in 2 2/3 innings. The relievers didn't fare any better as Denyi Reyes surrendered two unearned runs in 3 1/3 innings and Lukas Young allowed three runs in two frames. First baseman Raiwinson Lameda had a big game, going 3 for 5 with a homer and two RBI. Third baseman and 2017 13th-rounder Garrett Benge also was 3 for 5, scoring twice.
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Player of the Day: Bryce Brentz has been on an absolute tear recently, slashing .361/.443/.759 since the start of June. He continued to ride that hot streak on Sunday afternoon, going 4 for 5 with a double and triple. The 28-year-old Brentz is now hitting .271/.347/.547 with 18 home runs in 66 games for Pawtucket and remains the first line of defense for the Boston outfield.
Photo Credit: Bryce Brentz by Kelly O'Connor