May 23, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Castellanos goes deep; Brentz records grand slam
5/23 Cup of Coffee: Both the Double-A and Triple-A affiliates fell in close games to Yankees affiliates, though a two-hit, five-RBI performance from Bryce Brentz (pictured, right) helped the PawSox come close to eliminating a seven-run deficit. However, Salem and Greenville saw more success on the night, each adding to their win columns. Enmanuel De Jesus pitched six shutout innings for Salem, while Yorvin Pantoja shut the door on Columbia with 2 1/3 no-hit frames to close out Greenville's contest. In Pawtucket's game, Marco Hernandez, Brock Holt and Dustin Pedroia continued to work their way back to the big club in rehab assignments.
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Pawtucket was down 8-1 after six frames and could not complete their furious attempt at a comeback. Bryce Brentz replaced Marco Hernandez, who was 0 for 2, and made the most of his moment off the bench. He was 2 for 2 and hit a grand slam in the eighth inning to kickstart his team's journey back to within striking distance. Brentz also drove home the PawSox' first run in the sixth. Matthew Kent allowed the first six runs over 5 1/3 innings in his start, while Bobby Poyner did not fare much better, giving up two more runs in 1 2/3 frames. Despite walking two batters, Trevor Kelley did not allow a run or a hit in his inning of work. Brock Holt and Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 3 and 0 for 3, respectively, in their rehab appearances.
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The tying run in the form of Tate Matheny made it to second base, but he was stranded as Portland fell for the ninth time in 10 tries. Matheny had two of Portland's three hits, while Josh Tobias added the other. Dedgar Jimenez issued four free passes in five innings, but he kept the runs to a minimum, allowing just two to cross the plate. Matthew Gorst gave his squad three innings of one-run ball out of the bullpen.
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Salem was the better team from the jump, as Enmanuel De Jesus delivered a 1-2-3 first inning and the bats responded by posting a three-spot in the bottom half. De Jesus went six innings, allowing two hits without a run crossing the plate. He walked three and struck out six batters. Marcus Wilson was 2 for 4 with four RBI. Pedro Castellanos also added a two-hit performance, including his first home run of the season.
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The Drive held off a late comeback bid from Columbia to even a four-game set with the Fireflies. Devlin Granberg and Grant Williams led the way offensively, as each turned in a 3-for-4 performance. Kole Cottam added two RBI as well. On the mound, Chris Machamer turned in a quality start, allowing three runs, two of which were earned, on five hits over 6 2/3 innings. He only struck out two, but walked just one batter. Yorvin Pantoja finished the game with 2 1/3 no-hit innings and earned the win.
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Player of the Night: It's not often a pitcher with six shutout innings or a hitter with four RBI is not the player of the night, but neither earned the honor on Wednesday. The distinction belongs to Bryce Brentz, who was able to do all kinds of damage with just two at-bats. As a pinch-hitter, the 30-year-old recorded an RBI double in the sixth and followed it up with a grand slam in the eighth. Brentz has always shown power, as he went deep 31 times for Pawtucket in 2017 and has succeeded in his limited opportunities in the majors, but he is behind one of the most talented outfields in the majors and has not seen significant time with the big club, including during his time in the Mets' system last season.
Photo Credit: Bryce Brentz by Kelly O'Connor