August 29, 2017 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: DSL Sox fall in opener; Ockimey keeps rolling
8/29 Cup of Coffee: The post-season kicked off in the Dominican Summer League, and the DSL Red Sox defense of its 2016 championship got off to a rough start with a loss in Game One. A quartet of PawSox arms combined for that squad's second straight shutout, while Portland failed to score despite the efforts of Josh Ockimey (pictured).
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Kyle Kendrick and a trio of relievers held the Bisons to four hits as the PawSox completed their second straight shutout win. Kendrick went the first six frames, allowing just three hits and striking out two without walking a batter. The veteran righty got off to a tough start to the 2017 regular season after an impressive spring training, but he's been excellent in the second half, posting a 2.31 ERA since the All-Star break. Carson Smith and Ben Taylor each fired scoreless innings as part of rehab stints, and Austin Maddox finished the shutout. Ryan Court led the offense, going 3 for 4 with a double.
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Not a lot went right for the Sea Dogs at Dunkin Donuts park, but Josh Ockimey continued his recent surge. Yard Goats pitching failed to retire the first baseman, who went 2 for 2 with a walk and a double. Henry Owens continues to search for his control. The lefty walked seven, hit a batter, and uncorked a pair of wild pitches in 5 1/3 innings, surrendering six runs.
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Down 6-1 in the seventh inning, the Spinners staged an improbable rally against the first-place Yankees culminating in a walk-off base hit by Steven Reveles with the bases loaded to score Tanner Nishioka. The timing was perfect for Reveles, who broke out of an 0-for-21. Nishioka had a pair of hits on the night, along with a stolen base. Brendan Nail, signed last week as an undrafted free agent out of Western Carolina, went two innings to pick up his first professional win.
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GCL Red Sox vs. GCL Orioles, PPD rain
The GCL Sox had their fourth consecutive rain out and eighth of the season. They'll try to play a doubleheader on Tuesday as part of a grueling stretch of eight games scheduled over the next five days.
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Game 1: Dominican Summer League Quarterfinals
The DSL Red Sox' attempt to repeat as league champions became a lot tougher after a loss in game one of the opening round. The loss came despite continued strong pitching. Isaac Pinales allowed one run on four hits in five innings, striking out five without issuing a walk. The Dodgers will host the second game of the best-of-three series on Tuesday at 10:30 am.
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Player of the Day: It has been a streaky season for Josh Ockimey, who enters the final week of the 2017 campaign on a high note. Ockimey reached base three times on Monday, and he is now 7 for 11 with three doubles, four walks, and only one strikeout over his last four games. They 2014 fifth-rounder has held his own with a .259/.368/.407 since being promoted from Salem in early August.
Photo Credit: Josh Ockimey by Kelly O'Connor