May 13, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Travis, Witte keep streaks alive on rainy Mother's Day
5/13 Cup of Coffee: While the major league club spent Mother's Day completing its sweep of the Mariners, the minor league affiliates offered much less cheer. Three of the five games on the docket were rained out, including a Salem doubleheader. Pawtucket and Greenville did manage to get their contests in, but failed to produce a victory despite the continued strong efforts of Jantzen Witte (pictured), Sam Travis, and Devlin Granberg.
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The eight hits for the PawSox came from just four batters in Sunday's loss. Jantzen Witte led the charge with a 3-for-4 effort, raising his average to .329. Witte's eighth double of the season was Pawtucket's only extra-base hit. Sam Travis continues his improved play. The 2015 second-round pick was 2 for 4 to extend his hitting streak to eight games including multiple knocks in six of his last seven. Josh Tobias also had two hits on the day. Teddy Stankiewicz took the loss, surrendering three runs (two earned) on six hits in four innings. Bobby Poyner was a highlight in relief, striking out three batters in a scoreless seventh inning.
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Portland Sea Dogs @ Trenton Thunder (NYY), postponed
The Sea Dogs suffered their seventh rain out of the season in Sunday's series finale in Trenton. The game will be made up when Portland returns next week for a four-game series, with the specific date not yet announced.
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Salem Red Sox @ Lynchburg Hillcats (CLE), cancelled
The scheduled doubleheader in Lynchburg was called off due to continuing rain. As Salem does not return in the first half of the season, the games will not be made up.
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Greenville had plenty of chances, but a 1-for-13 effort with runners in scoring position poured water on any potential rally. Devlin Granberg doubled to extend his hitting streak to seven games, adding a walk and run scored. Triston Casas drove in both Greenville runs during his 1-for-4 day. He moves into a tie for first in the organization with his 25 runs driven in. Angel Padron got the start, allowing three runs on four hits in four innings of work. Kris Jackson allowed a run on two hits in three innings of work in his South Atlantic League debut. He struck out two without issuing a walk.
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Player of the Day: Jantzen Witte, in his seventh season in the Boston organization, remains one of the system's most steady contributors. His three hits on Sunday give him 555 for his career and 201 at the Triple-A level. The former TCU Horned Frog is now riding a six game hitting streak, going 11 for 25 in that stretch.
Photo Credit: Jantzen Witte by Kelly O'Connor