June 25, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Chatham goes yard as GCL opens
6/25 Cup of Coffee: The Gulf Coast League got underway on Monday, with the Red Sox squad taking home the win. Pawtucket came up short despite a trio of home runs, and Portland emerged triumphant thanks to the heroics of CJ Chatham (pictured). In Salem, Enmanuel De Jesus struck out 10 but was the unlucky loser of a rain-abbreviated game and Brandon Howlett went yard for Greenville.
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A power surge from Pawtucket wasn't enough as the PawSox dropped their sixth game in seven. Bryce Brentz, Sam Travis, and Rusney Castillo each launched a home run. This was the third night in a row that Brentz has gone deep, and he now has fourteen home runs on the year. Chris Owings had his best night in a PawSox uniform as he singled twice and doubled.
Darwinzon Hernandez was roughed up in his start to the tune of five earned runs in just three innings. Jordan Weems was lights out as he struck out four over two scoreless innings. After another rough outing from Tyler Thornburg, Bobby Poyner settled things down by striking out three in two perfect frames and Trevor Kelley ended things with a perfect ninth.
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A strong outing from Matt Kent helped Portland secure the win in the opening game of the series. Kent went seven innings and allowed just two earned runs (three total) while fanning four and giving up just one walk. Konner Wade was the only reliever needed as he closed things out with two frames of one-run ball out of the pen.
CJ Chatham highlighted the evening's offensive performances, launching his first long ball of the season and adding a double as part of a two-run, three RBI game. Jeremy Rivera joined Chatham by launching his fifth homer of the year, adding a single and two runs scored. Jarren Duran chipped in with a pair of singles and RBI in his return to the leadoff spot. Bobby Dalbec did his part with an RBI double.
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The Red Sox squandered a fantastic outing by Enmanuel de Jesus, falling to 28-44 on the season. De Jesus went all seven innings of the abbreviated contest and allowed just three unearned runs while striking out 10 batters (matching his career high). Edgar Corcino and Ryan Fitzgerald had the standout performances at the dish for Salem, with Corcino notching a double as part of a three-hit night and Fitzgerald reaching base three times on two singles and walk.
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Greenville Drive vs. Kannapolis Intimidators (CWS), Suspended (inclement weather)
Greenville had its game suspended after just two innings due to rain. Before the game was called Brandon Howlett launched his fifth home run of the season, his second in the past week. The game will be continued Tuesday 6/25 at 4:30 PM.
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The GCL Red Sox opened their season with a win Monday afternoon as they overcame the Rays on GCL Opening Day. Starter Alexander Montero allowed just an unearned run in his two innings on the mound, striking out three and only allowing a single free pass. Jorge Rodriguez relieved him and was superb, hurling four frames of one-run baseball and striking out four. Recently signed undrafted free agent Zach Schneider shut the door for the Sox by striking out the side in a scoreless inning.
At the plate, Angel Maita had a productive day from the leadoff spot as he recorded two hits, including a double. Danny Diaz matched him with a single and a double, while Ceddanne Rafaela brought the power with a two-run home run. Andre Colon reached base three times with a single and a pair of walks, while Trey Ball reached base twice in his 2019 debut, as he continues his attempt to convert from the mound.
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Despite strong individual performances, the Red Sox fell just short of the win as the Rays walked off. Alex Zapete led the way with three hits and scored two of the Red Sox runs. Brainer Bonaci and Erick Flores each collected a pair of singles, and Eduardo Lopez laced his fifth triple of the season which landed him tied for first place in the DSL. On the mound, Angel Bastardo put in a strong shift as he only allowed a single run in four innings pitched, but the bullpen squandered an early lead.
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In a low scoring affair, the DSL Red Sox2 squad came out on top thanks to an excellent outing from the pitching staff. Juan Daniel Encarnacion was solid in his start, surrendering two runs in his five innings pitched and striking out four. The bullpen didn't give an inch as Robinson Parra and Emerson Ortiz combined for four scoreless, with Ortiz striking out four in his appearance. The Sox were able to make the most of a quiet night at the plate as Jesus Maita drove in two runs with a triple. Luis Mota was also productive for the Red Sox, doubling, scoring and driving in a run.
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Player of the Day: CJ Chatham has been locked in since his return from the IL in mid-June, only failing to record a hit in one of his eight games played. It has been another successful year for the former second-round draft pick, as he has picked up almost exactly where he left off in 2018 with a .318/.348/.416 line.
Photo Credit: CJ Chatham by Kelly O'Connor