July 28, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Houck impresses in Spinners shutout
7/28 Cup of Coffee: Pitching was the story on Thursday night, particularly in Lowell where 2017 first-round pick Tanner Houck (pictured) combined with a pair of relievers on a four-hit shutout. Elsewhere, Jeremy Rivera and Roldani Baldwin continue to be doubles-producing machines for Salem and Greenville, respectively.
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Roenis Elias made his first start of the season for the PawSox as he works his way back from lat and rib injuries. The veteran went 3 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out a pair. Kyle Martin and Noe Ramirez followed with 4 2/3 innings out of the bullpen to keep the contest close, but the offense couldn't break through against the Toledo staff. Rusney Castillo scored the only run as part of a 2-for-5 night. Matt Dominguez and Sam Travis both contributed multi-hit games as well.
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Starter Teddy Stankiewicz turned in a solid effort in the Portland loss. The right-hander allowed two runs on seven hits in six innings. He struck out six and walked two, taking a no-decision. It was a good night at the plate for Joseph Monge, who was 2 for 3 with a double and an eighth-inning solo homer to knot the contest at 2-2. Michael Chavis also doubled, giving him 16 extra-bast hits in 33 games since his promotion from Salem.
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With scheduled starter Shaun Anderson now a member of the San Francisco Giants organization after Tuesday night's trade for Eduardo Nunez, undrafted free agent Durin O'Linger got the call from Lowell to make the start. O'Linger held his own, giving up four runs in five innings to keep Salem in the ballgame. Gerson Bautista struck out four in two innings, allowing one run and getting credit for the win. Jeremy Rivera led the offense, ripping three doubles to give him 19 in 50 games on the season. Jose Sermo delivered the decisive blow, a two-run homer in the sixth inning that gave the Sox a lead they would not relinquish.
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After being no-hit through four innings, Greenville finally broke out with some offense, but not enough to complete the comeback against its cross-Carolina rivals. Starter Darwinzon Hernzndez struggled with his control, walking five and uncorking a wild pitch as he gave up four runs in four innings of work. Algenis Martinez turned in three scoreless frames out of the bullpen, lowering his ERA to 2.39 on the year. The Drive finished with only six hits, with two apiece coming off the bats of Lorenzo Cedrola and Steven Reveles. Roldani Baldwin had his organization-leading 26th double of the year, and he also picked up a walk during his 1-for-3 night.
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It was the best performance to date in the young career of Red Sox first-round pick Tanner Houck. The former Missouri Tiger went two scoreless innings in the start, striking out a pair while walking one and allowing one hit. SoxProspects.com Scouting Director Ian Cundall was on hand, and he reported that Houck's fastball touched 93 miles per hour with sink, and that his slider flashed as a plus offering. A pair of relievers picked up where Houck left off. Denyi Reyes fired five innings of two-hit ball, getting his third win. Jared Oliver closed out the win by striking out six of the seven batters he faced. Oliver now has 16 strikeouts in seven innings in his last three appearances. Brett Netzer led the way at the plate, going 2 for 4 with a double. Juan Barriento and Garrett Benge added doubles.
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GCL Red Sox vs. GCL Rays, postponed (rain)
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The Sox dropped the first game of their doubleheader necessitated by Wednesday's rain out. Starter Rafael Gomez took the loss despite a strong effort, striking out five and giving up just one earned run in five innings of work. Rafael Rincones tripled as part of a 2-for-4 effort.
In the regularly scheduled contest, a pair of hurlers combined for a seven-inning shutout. Starter Rayniel Moreno was excellent, surrendering four hits in five innings, striking out six without issuing a walk. Alexander Montero followed with two shutout frames in his professional debut. Marcos Martinez scored as part of a two-hit day, and Reinaldo Ugueto drove in a pair in the win.
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Player of the Day: Not to be overshadowed by his teammate and fellow hurler Tanner Houck, Jared Oliver turned in the strongest performances of the day. The 24-year-old right-hander, taken in the 26th round in 2016 out of Truett-McConnell, touched 96 with his fastball while striking out six of the seven batters he faced. Control, Oliver's bugaboo in college, has not yet been a serious issue this season. He has just one outing with more than two walks, and in his last three he has just three walks against 16 strikeouts.
Photo Credit: Tanner Houck by Kelly O'Connor
Photo Credit: Tanner Houck by Kelly O'Connor