June 14, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Brentz homers twice in slugfest; Granberg spoils no-no
6/14 Cup of Coffee: A monster game by veteran mainstay Bryce Brentz (pictured) powered the PawSox in their offensive explosion. Salem also had a big night at the plate, while the DSL squads both came away victorious. Portland and Greenville suffered the organizations two losses, with Devlin Granberg saving the Drive from ignominy.
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Every starter reached base at least twice in the PawSox 17-hit outburst. Bryce Brentz hit two-run homers in the third and sixth inning to lead the attack. Josh Tobias was 4 for 5 with a double and pair of RBI, while Chad De La Guerra ripped his fourth double in six games. Rusney Castillo blasted his fifth homer of the season during his 3-for-5 night. It was the third consecutive multi-hit effort for Castillo, bringing him to 9 for 13 in that stretch.
The offensive surge bailed out Erasmo Ramirez, who struggled in his start. The veteran lefty allowed eight runs (four earned) on seven hits in 4 1/3. A quartet of relievers combined for 4 2/3 scoreless innings. Domingo Tapia got credit for the win with a perfect seventh inning that featured a pair of strikeouts.
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The Sea Dogs were limited to three hits after a rain delay pushed the start time back a little over an hour. Matthew Kent got the starting assignment, allowing four runs (three earned) on four hits in 4 2/3. Brett Netzer had the only extra-base hit, delivering his 13th double of the year.
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Five members of the Salem lineup totaled multiple hits as the Sox prevailed for just the third time in their last 17 games. Jagger Rusconi was a catalyst at the top of the order, doubling twice to go 2 for 5 with a run scored and an RBI. The Keys could not solve Edgar Corcino, who was 2 for 2 with two walks, two runs scored and two RBI. Keith Curcio had three hits off the bench, adding a stolen base. Starter Daniel Gonzalez got credit for the win, allowing four runs on 10 hits in five innings. Eduard Bazardo was dominant in his four-inning save. The right-hander struck out six in those four shutout frames, scattering three hits without issuing a walk.
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The Drive stood no chance as Charleston starter Luis Medina fired six no-hit innings. The Drive registered their first and only hit, a Devlin Granberg single, with one out in the seventh inning. Chris Machamer could not keep pace, surrendering a pair of solo home runs in his fiive-inning stint. The Drive will hope for better luck as they continue their series on Friday evening.
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The Lowell Spinners received a proper New England welcome as their scheduled exhibition was cancelled due to rain. They are scheduled to kick off the regular season Friday evening at 7:05 against the Connecticut Tigers at LeLacheur Park.
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Starter Wilkelman Gonzalez set the tone, firing three hitless innings. Jesus Rosillo struck out seven and allowed two runs in five frames to get the win, with Isaias Ozoria striking out one in a perfect ninth to notch the save. Shortstop Eddinson Paulino led the way at the plate with a 3-for-4 effort that included an RBI and a double. Branier Bonaci went 2 for 5 with a double and a steal his 10th swipe in 10 games.
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Bryan Gonzalez and Naysbel Marcano delivered back-to-back doubles in the bottom of the ninth to walk the Red Sox2 squad off. Gonzalez had homered earlier in the ninth, his DSL-leading fifth of the season. He also walked twice (once intentionally) and fired an outfield assist. Marcano drove in four during his 3-for-5 day. Robinson Parra got credit for the win, allowing a run on four hits in 3 2/3. He struck out three and walked one.
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Player of the Day: In his 800th game with the Red Sox organization, Bryce Brentz blasted his 136th and 137th homers. 2019 has been a successful reunion after a one-year sabbatical with the Mets. He has 11 homers and a PawSox-leading 32 RBI.
Photo Credit: Bryce Brentz by Kelly O'Connor