May 21, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Ward dominates in Greenville, Duran's streak continues
5/21 Cup of Coffee: A dominant performance from Thaddeus Ward (pictured) helped Greenville narrowly avoid an affiliate sweep on what was a forgettable night for the Red Sox system. CJ Chatham and Jhon Nunez each turned in strong performances for Portland, but couldn't avoid the doubleheader sweep by Trenton. In Salem, Jarren Duran extended his hitting streak to 12 games and Dylan Thompson was sharp.
-----
Trenton Thunder (NYY) 6, Portland Sea Dogs 2
It was a rough start to the doubleheader for Portland, as they fell to the Thunder. Daniel McGrath got the spot start and put in a solid performance, hurling three innings of one-run ball despite surrendering three walks and four hits. In the third Double-A start of his career, Dominic LoBrutto was roughed up and collected his first loss for Portland. In just 1 2/3 innings, LoBrutto was responsible for five earned runs on six hits and only fanned one Trenton batter. Durbin Feltman closed out the game with a perfect appearance, striking out two batters in 1 1/3 innings out of the bullpen. Despite the low run total, several Sea Dogs put in strong offensive performances led by Jhon Nunez, who walked, tripled, and homered. CJ Chatham improved upon his two-hit Sunday night by singling three times, while Brett Netzer singled twice and walked. Tate Matheny and Cody Asche each chipped in with a double apiece.
Despite mustering an extra run, Portland was unable to overcome their affiliate rivals and prevent the doubleheader sweep. At the top of the order, Josh Tobias was productive, doubling twice and contributing to two of the Sea Dogs' three runs. Batting behind Tobias, Jeremy Rivera was equally productive, notching two hits (only one double) and stealing a base. Bobby Dalbec also got in on the action by swatting his eighth double of the year. Tanner Houck's rough May continued as he was tagged for four runs in just under four innings of work and was unable to fan a single Trenton batter. Adam Lau danced the tight rope in relief, striking out three in 1 1/3 scoreless innings despite allowing four free passes and a hit. Matthew Gorst struck out two in what was his sixth scoreless appearance in a row and has not surrendered a run in the month of May.
-----
For the second time this week Salem has been shut out, and a solid start by new signing Dylan Thompson was wasted. Making his second start since joining the Red Sox from the independent leagues, Thompson went four innings and only surrendered one run while striking out a season-high seven batters. Hunter Smith was solid in relief, allowing only an unearned run and striking out two in his 2 1/3 innings of work. Rule 5 draft pick Andrew Schwaab was excellent in his Salem debut, striking out four in 2 2/3 scoreless innings of relief. Despite the poor offensive output, Jarren Duran managed to extend his hit streak to 12 games with his 12th double of 2019. Dylan Hardy led Salem with two hits while Pedro Castellanos was the only other Red Sox batter to record a hit.
-----
For the second start in a row, Thaddeus Ward turned in a dominant performance. The 2018 draftee scattered four singles across seven shutout innings and struck out seven en route to winning his third game of 2019. Hunter Haworth earned his first save of the season with two shutout innings of his own to close out the game for Greenville. Triston Casas and Jordan Wren led the way offensively for the Drive, each collecting two hits apiece including a double from Casas and a triple from Wren. Brandon Howlett added a double of his own, while Tyler Esplin singled in a run, walked, and scored a run.
-----
Player of the Day: In what is quickly becoming a season to remember, Thaddeus Ward turned in his third straight strong outing for Greenville. The Central Florida product has now struck out 29 batters in his last 25 innings, raising his K/9 to an impressive 10.4 on the season. Having now lowered his ERA to a sharp 2.50, the second-year starter has been impressive in the early going and will look to continue making a name for himself.
Photo Credit: Thaddeus Ward by Kelly O'Connor