July 11, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Brentz wins Triple-A Derby; Shawaryn keeps cruising
In game action, a pair of top-20 prospects coming off a string of impressive performances were on the mound. Mike Shawaryn continued to roll, while Jay Groome had a tougher evening. Roldani Baldwin continues to lead the Greenville offense, and a couple of 2016 draftees were on rehab for the GCL Sox.
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Salem and Lynchburg were knotted through regulation before the floodgates opened in extra frames. The loss doesn't take any sheen off of another strong start by Mike Shawaryn. The former Maryland Terrapin allowed two runs (one earned) on five hits in 6 2/3. He struck out six, walked one, and hit two batters. At the plate, Jose Sermo was 2 for 3 with a double, two walks, and a run scored. Josh Ockimey added a double of his own, and Tate Matheny picked up a pair of hits.
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Coming off two starts where he allowed just one hit in 10 shutout innings, Jay Groome struggled on Monday night. The 18-year-old lefty made it through only 2 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits, walking and striking out two apiece. Groome needed 67 pitches to record seven outs and threw only 37 of those for strikes. Groome got picked up by his bullpen and offense, however. Robby Sexton got the win in relief with a run on three hits in four innings. Roldani Baldwin had a big night at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a double, home run, and four RBI. Santiago Espinal also had three hits for the Drive, while Tucker Tubbs picked up his 19th double of the year in a two-hit night.
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C.J. Chatham began a rehab assignment on Monday. Getting the start at designated hitter, last June's second-round pick was 0 for 2 with a walk and run scored before getting lifted for a pinch-hitter in the seventh. Fellow 2016 draftee Bobby Dalbec continued his rehab by going 1 for 3. Cole Brannen picked up a pair of hits and a stolen base. Ritzi Mendoza got the win in relief, pitching three shutout frame to extend his season-opening scoreless streak to 12 innings.
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The Sox held onto their one-one game lead in the Northwest Division with a shutout. Alejandro Rodriguez allowed just two hits in his five scoreless innings, striking out six without walking a batter and cutting his ERA to 1.07. Luis Colmenares and Antonio Police teamed up to shut the A's down for the final four innings. Catcher Eduard Conde led the offense, going 2 for 3 with a double, triple, and three RBI.
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Player of the Day: A breakout 2017 campaign continues for Mike Shawaryn (pictured, right). After a couple uneven starts after his promotion from Greenville, the right-hander has allowed just two earned runs in 23 2/3 innings across his last four starts, good for a 0.76 ERA. The six strikeouts give him 115 for the season, the third most in all of minor league baseball. The 6 2/3 innings by Shawaryn were a season high, and it marked the seventh time that he has gone at least six innings while allowing two or fewer runs.
Photo Credit: Bryce Brentz, Mike Shawaryn by Kelly O'Connor