August 14, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Beeks throws six strong, Sturgeon collects four hits
8/14 Cup of Coffee: Sunday featured several strong pitching performances throughout the Red Sox affiliates. Six innings of one-run ball by Jalen Beeks weren't enough in a loss for the PawSox. However, both Salem and Greenville were victorious courtesy of strong starts by Kyle Hart and Jhonathan Diaz. The Sea Dogs lost a slugfest despite fantastic games for Cole Sturgeon (pictured) and Chad De La Guerra. The Spinners recorded 17 hits and 12 runs to back Jake Thompson's scoreless start.
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Southpaw Jalen Beeks continued his excellent season with six strong innings, allowing a run on two hits and two walks while fanning six. However, the bullpen blew Beeks' chance at a win as Chandler Shepherd and Noe Ramirez each allowed two runs. The PawSox scored both runs in the second inning on a leadoff homer by Steve Selsky and an RBI single by Jake Romanski. Romanski was 2 for 3 with a walk.
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The Sea Dogs were unable to pull out a win despite a 14-hit performance by the lineup. Cole Sturgeon was the star of the day, going 4 for 5 with a double, a homer, two runs, and three RBI. Chad De La Guerra went 3 for 5 with a double and two RBI. Catcher Danny Bethea went 3 for 4 with a double, a walk, a run, and an RBI. Kevin McAvoy started on the hill and took the loss after surrendering four runs on seven hits in five innings. Jake Cosart tossed a shutout inning, allowing two hits but striking out the side.
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Starting pitcher Kyle Hart earned the win with seven shutout frames for Salem, though he did walk five and strike out six. Austin Glorius gave up two runs in an inning of relief and Daniel McGrath picked up his third save with a shutout ninth. Shortstop Jeremy Rivera was 2 for 3 with an RBI. First baseman Conrad Gregor was 1 for 4 with two RBI.
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Jhonathan Diaz stole the show in Greenville, tossing seven frames of one-run ball with six strikeouts and a walk. Algenis Martinez threw two shutout innings in relief and won his third game of the season. Third baseman Bobby Dalbec reached base in all four plate appearances, going 2 for 2 with two walks. Mitchell Gunsolus was 2 for 3 with a double, a walk, and a run.
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Going 3 for 4 with two doubles, a run, and three RBI, left fielder Marino Campana led Lowell's offensive onslaught on Sunday. Center fielder Yoan Aybar went 3 for 4 with a double, two runs, and two RBI. Garrett Benge went 2 for 4 with a double, two runs, a walk, and an RBI. Fourth-rounder Jake Thompson made his third professional start, walking two in two scoreless frames. Dakota Smith allowed three runs on nine hits in three innings but struck out five and earned the win. Taylor Ahearn tossed four shutout innings, striking out three.
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Player of the Day: The Sea Dogs lost on Sunday but Cole Sturgeon did everything possible to keep Portland in the game. Sturgeon was 4 for 5 with a double, a home run, two runs, and three RBI. That home run was a two-run shot in the ninth inning to pull the Sea Dogs within two runs of Bowie, though the rally eventually fell short. Sturgeon, whom the Red Sox drafted in the 10th round in 2014, is now hitting .255/.322/.362 in Portland this season.
Photo Credit: Cole Sturgeon by Kelly O'Connor