June 16, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Casas rakes, Scherff dominates in Greenville win
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Pawtucket Red Sox @ Indianapolis Indians (PIT) PPD, Inclement Weather
The PawSox had their contest with the Indians postponed due to rain. The game will be made up Sunday as part of a doubleheader starting at 12:05 p.m.
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Portland Sea Dogs @ Akron RubberDucks (CLE) PPD, Inclement Weather
Portland had yet another game postponed due to poor weather Saturday night. Akron will host a doubleheader on Sunday to make up the game.
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Carolina League All-Star Kutter Crawford did enough for Salem to earn its 24th win of the season. The righty allowed four runs in six innings pitched, but struck out four and only allowed a single free pass on the night. Andrew Politi was excellent in relief, earning his third win of 2019 by firing three scoreless innings to end the game. At the plate, Victor Acosta and Ryan Fitzgerald each singled twice to lead Salem in the hit column. Acosta also added a double and was joined in that regard by Tanner Nishioka. Also chipping in was Marcus Wilson, who tripled.
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The Drive pitching was outstanding as Greenville won its clash with their Yankee counterparts. Alex Scherff got the start and scattered five hits across six innings of one-run baseball, while striking out three. Coming out of the bullpen, Yoan Aybar struck out four batters in his two shutout innings and Robbie Baker finished the game with a scoreless inning. Triston Casas was a one-man wrecking crew at the plate, smacking a double in addition to his 12th home run of the season. Also collecting two hits was Brandon Howlett, while Jordan Wren walked and stole his 16th bag of 2019.
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The Spinners fell to the Tigers despite some strong offensive performances. Leading the way with four hits was Juan Carlos Abreu, who scored three runs on the night. Catcher Jonathan Diaz doubled twice as part of a 3-for-4 night, while Nick Northcut followed up his mammoth Opening Night with two hits, including another double. Nick Decker contributed to the offensive barrage with a triple and three RBI.
The Spinner pitching was hit hard but the rehabbing Hector Velsquez was solid, striking out two in a scoreless inning. Piggyback starter Yasel Santana was reached for six runs (five earned) in four innings pitched, while both Jose Larez and Hildemaro Requena surrendered three runs out of the pen.
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Only one starter did not collect a hit for the Red Sox as they outlasted the Dodgers, but it was Brainer Bonaci who was the star of the show. Bonaci launched his first home run of the year as part of a three-hit, four RBI night. Nelfy Abreu had a strong night out of the leadoff spot, notching two hits including a double while also stealing a base. Starter Gabriel Jackson was roughed up to the tune of four runs in 4 1/3 innings, but a strong performance from Nixson Munoz out of the bullpen kept the Red Sox in the game long enough to earn the win. Munoz struck out five batters across 3 2/3 scoreless innings.
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DSL Red Sox2 vs. DSL Cubs1 PPD
The DSL Red Sox2 squad had their showdown with the DSL Cubs1 postponed, and will be made up at a further date.
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Player of the Day: There has been no batter hotter than Triston Casas since the calendar has turned from Arpil, and last night was a continuation of his torrid performances. At the end of April Casas was batting a mere .208, but his strong performance has seen his batting line rise to an excellent .270/.346/.514 with 12 home runs.
Photo Credit: Triston Casas by Kelly O'Connor