May 12, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Three home runs for Dalbec, as Portland falls
5/12 Cup of Coffee: It was an offense-heavy night for the Red Sox affiliates, as they combined to launch 10 home runs with their opponents across three games Saturday night. Bobby Dalbec (pictured) was nearly the hero for Portland, launching three home runs including an extra-innings blast to extend the Sea Dog lead, but it was not enough to give Portland the win. Josh Ockimey also got in on the action with a pair of homers, while the Drive combined for three home runs in their slugfest win over Asheville.
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It was a heartbreaking loss for Pawtucket, who saw a late lead stolen from them by a ninth-inning Striper rally. Five Pawtucket batters recorded multiple hits, led by Josh Ockimey who launched his seventh and eighth home runs of the season. Rusney Castillo chipped in with a three-hit night and was joined by Sam Travis, Jantzen Witte, and Gorkys Hernandez who each singled twice. In just his second career Triple-A start, Matt Kent hurled five shutout innings, but the wheels came off for him in the sixth inning, where he was unable to record an out. Trevor Kelley relieved him, pitching two innings and surrendering a solo home run while striking out two. Jenrry Mejia attempted to close out the game for the PawSox, but was tagged for two runs and was awarded his third blown save of the year.
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Speaking of heartbreaking losses, Portland was defeated in twelve innings despite taking a four-run lead in the top of the 12th. A series of strong pitching performances were all for naught, following an extra-inning meltdown. Dedgar Jimenez got the start and was solid, going seven innings and surrendering three runs while striking out three. Coming on in relief, Durbin Feltman and Adam Lau each fired two scoreless innings while striking out one and two batters, respectively. Jordan Weems collected the loss by allowing five runs (four earned) in the 12th inning. The Sea Dogs offense came from one man, Bobby Dalbec. The third baseman reached base in five of his six plate appearances while blasting three home runs and a double. Brett Netzer was one of only two fellow Sea Dogs to collect a hit, and thought he had won the game with his go-ahead home run in the 12th.
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Salem Red Sox @ Lynchburg Hillcats (CLE) PPD (inclement weather)
Salem had their game in Lynchburg postponed due to inclement weather Saturday night. The game will be made up as part of a doubleheader today at 1 p.m.
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It took a team effort for Greenville to outlast a high-powered Asheville attack. Devlin Granberg, Kole Cottam and Tyler Esplin each launched home runs, with Esplin giving Greenville the lead in the eighth inning. Cole Brannen added two hits and two RBI and has now recorded a hit in six of his last seven games. Kervin Suarez and Kyle Wren also contributed with two hits apiece, with Suarez doubling. It was a tough night for the Greenville pitching staff, with starter Chris Machamer getting tagged for seven runs in just two innings of work. Hunter Haworth put in a strong effort in relief, going five innings of one-run ball and striking out six. Rio Gomez earned his fifth save of the season by striking out four in his two shut out innings to close out the game.
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Player of the Day: In one of the best performances by a Red Sox prospect all season, Bobby Dalbec almost single-handedly willed Portland to victory Saturday night, but came up short. Dalbec went 4 for 5 and hitting three home runs, doubling his season total in just a single night. Although he struggled to begin the season the third baseman has come alive in May, and is now hitting .343 on the month.
Photo Credit: Bobby Dalbec by Kelly O'Connor