July 21, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: six scoreless for McGrath; Fitzgerald with clutch RBI
7/20 Cup of Coffee: In what is becoming a common occurrence, Daniel McGrath (pictured) was brilliant for Portland as they downed the Senators. In Salem, a strong outing from Enmanuel De Jesus was rewarded with a late comeback, while in the GCL Brock Bell fired a scoreless inning for the second straight time. Both DSL squads won their competitions today thanks in part to a herculean effort from Bryan Gonzalez and a strong showing from the DSL Red Sox1 pitching staff.
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Continuing what has already proven to be a breakout 2019 campaign, Daniel McGrath was excellent, hurling six scoreless innings and striking out five. Matthew Gorst relieved him but was let down by his defense as he surrendered two unearned runs. Adam Lau closed things out with a scoreless ninth. The Sea Dogs offense did just enough to emerge victorious, with Marcus Wilson leading the way with a double and a run scored as part of a two-hit night. Also chipping in were Austin Rei and Jerry Downs who added a double and two walks apiece.
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Despite being held scoreless for the first seven innings of the game, a last-gasp comeback saw Salem emerge victorious in Myrtle Beach Saturday night. A double off the bat of Ryan Fitzgerald proved to be the difference for Salem as he drove in two in the ninth. Edgar Corcino had a productive night as he scored a run and drove in a run while reaching base twice. Victor Acosta chipped in with a pair of singles and a run scored. Enmanuel De Jesus was on the bump for Salem and was solid, allowing only two runs in six innings of work. Following the comeback, Andrew Schwaab shut the door for Salem as he struck out the side in the ninth.
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It was a nightmare game for the Greenville defense as they committed five errors, including three from catcher Kole Cottam. The errors hurt starter Chase Shugart who allowed five unearned runs in as many innings despite striking out six. The bullpen was able to calm things down with Alex Demchak tossing three innings of one-run ball, but the damage was done. At the plate, only Grant Williams collected multiple hits with a pair of singles. Brandon Howlett brought the power with a solo home run, while the aforementioned Cottam delivered a double.
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It was a night at the ballpark to forget for the Spinners, as their pitching staff was rocked. Starter Yusniel Padron-Artilles was tagged for three runs in as many innings and collected the loss despite striking out three. Hildemaro Requena and Robbie Baker were each roughed up out of the bullpen, while Jose Larez tossed a scoreless ninth. At the plate, both Nick Decker and Ricardo Cubillan collected two hits, with Cubillan smacking a double and a triple. Elih Marrero and Luke Bandy chipped in with a double apiece.
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It took seven Red Sox pitchers to overcome the Twins Saturday afternoon as Brock Bell made his second appearance. Bell tossed a scoreless inning and was relieved by Aaron Perry, who was the only pitcher to go more than two innings as he allowed three runs (one earned) in 2 1/3 innings pitched. The bullpen took over from there as Dylan Spacke, Casey Sutherland, Devon Roedahl, Eddie Jimenez, and Zach Schneider combined to toss 5 2/3 scoreless innings. Dean Miller led the way on offense with three singles, a run scored and an RBI. Oscar Rangel walked twice and doubled as part of a perfect day at the plate, while Caleb Ramsey chipped in with a double.
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The DSL Red Sox1 pitching staff was excellent as four pitchers, lead by starter Gabriel Jackson combined for a shutout. Jackson scattered three hits across four scoreless frames, and has now allowed only one earned run in his last 19 innings pitched. Carlos Velez relieved him and tossed three scoreless innings, striking out five. Velez was in turn replaced by Johan Martinez who struck out the side in one inning of work. Much of the work on offense was done by Carlos Sanchez, who drove in two with a double. Alixandri Alvarez chipped in with a triple, a walk, and a run scored.
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Young phenom Bryan Gonzalez was back up to his old tricks as he helped power the Red Sox to victory. Gonzalez smacked three doubles and a home run as he drove in four. Also going yard was Frank Astacio, who added a single, as well. Denny Daza chipped in with a pair of singles. Starter Railin Perez was unlucky as he gave up three unearned runs across four innings and struck out five. Armando Acosta fired a scoreless inning and Andres Ortuno closed things out with four innings of relief in which he allowed two runs and struck out four.
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Player of the Day: Since the end of June there has been no better pitcher in the Red Sox system than Daniel McGrath. With his performance Saturday night, the Australian pitcher has now allowed just one run (an unearned one at that) in his last 30 2/3 innings pitched, dating back to June 21. Although never possessing dominant stuff the righty has steadily climbed his way up the Red Sox system since being signed in 2013, and is finally having the most success of his career in his seventh year in the organization.
Photo Credit: Daniel McGrath by Kelly O'Connor