May 9, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Crawford, Reyes dominate; Dalbec helps Portland with late homer
Cup of Coffee 5/9: It was a so-so night on the farm as the affiliates went 2-2 on Wednesday. However, strong performances were abound, even in losses. The two victories, by Portland and Salem, were helped by exceptional starts from Denyi Reyes and Kutter Crawford (pictured, left), respectively. The Sea Dogs were tied with New Hampshire in the eighth, but Bobby Dalbec registered his third hit of the night in the form of a two-run home run to break the tie and give his team the win. Despite the loss, Jordan Wren did his part for Greenville with two hits, including a two-RBI triple.
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Oscar Hernandez and Sam Travis each recorded two base knocks, leading the team as part of a 10-hit evening, but Pawtucket pitching struggled in the loss. Erasmo Ramirez allowed five runs on four hits in 5 1/3 innings, in part because of three walks. Bobby Poyner replaced him and allowed two more runs in 2/3 innings of work to close the sixth. Travis Lakins and Domingo Tapia each allowed a run to cross the plate in their inning of work. Eight of the nine Pawtucket starters notched a hit.
Bobby Dalbec hit a two-run home run in the eighth as part of a 3-for-4 evening to break a late tie. The other eight hitters scratched out four more hits and Joey Curletta brought home the team's final run. Denyi Reyes delivered a strong start for the Sea Dogs, throwing seven innings of one-run ball. He did not walk a batter, struck out six and allowed five hits. Despite allowing four free passes, Durbin Feltman recorded a shutout appearance and Adam Lau earned the save. Dustin Pedroia went 1 for 3 in a rehab stint.
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There wasn't much that could be done to best Reyes' start, but Kutter Crawford did it. He allowed one run on two hits in 6 1/3 innings. He struck out an impressive 11 batters against one walk. Dominic LoBrutto and Joan Martinez finished the game off with perfect appearances, with Martinez striking out each batter he faced. On the other side, each Salem starter notched a hit for a total of 13. Jarren Duran led the way with three base knocks, with Pedro Castellanos and Dylan Hardy each having two. Five of the team's runs came in the first two innings.
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Four Drive hitters had two hits, but the wheels fell off for Alex Scherff in the fifth, which proved to be too much for Greenville. He allowed six hits and three runs in four-plus innings of work, with three walks against four strikeouts. He allowed a single and a walk to begin the frame before he was removed. Angel Padron replaced him and allowed both inherited runners to score and one of his own as well. Tyler Esplin, Kole Cottam, Jordan Wren and Brandon Howlett each had two hits, including a two-RBI triple from Wren.
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Player of the Day: He faced stiff competition, but Kutter Crawford gets the nod for an exceptional performance on the mound. The No. 23 prospect in the system has 45 strikeouts in 34 innings on the year to lead the system and with Wednesday's performance, he rose to second in the South Atlantic League. He also leads the system in K/9. Crawford was last season's SoxProspects.com's Breakout Player of the Year and has continued with a strong start to the season.
Photo Credit: Kutter Crawford by Kelly O'Connor
Photo Credit: Kutter Crawford by Kelly O'Connor