August 5, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Duran doubles twice; Ockimey powers PawSox
8/5 Cup of Coffee: It was an exciting slate of pitchers going on Sunday, with four hurlers in the top 22 and a fifth in strong contention for the system's pitcher of the year. Kyle Hart and the PawSox were the only affiliate to emerge victorious with big assists from Josh Ockimey and the defense. A big night by Jarren Duran (pictured) couldn't overcome a very tough day for Bryan Mata as the Sea Dogs fell. Thaddeus Ward fell in a pitchers' duel in Salem, while a two double effort by Tyler Esplin wasn't enough for Greenville.
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A pair of second-inning homers and the presence of SoxProspects.com Editor-in-Chief Mike Andrews helped the PawSox snap a four-game skid. Rusney Castillo ripped a line drive solo shot to lead off the second, his 14th of the season. Moments later, Josh Ockimey blasted his organization-leading 21st, a three-run blast that would prove decisive. Andrews pointed out a pair of key defensive plays that didn't show in the box score that preserved the win: Cole Sturgeon robbing a potential grand slam in the sixth inning, and a heads-up throw by Bobby Dalbec to force out a run at the plate. Kyle Hart earned the win, giving up two runs on seven hits in 5 2/3, striking out seven against one walk.
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It was a night to forget for Bryan Mata, as the system's top pitching prospect did not retire a batter. Mata gave up three singles, a double, and a triple before departing with a 4-1 deficit. SoxProspects.com Executive Editor Chris Hatfield was in attendance, and he noted that Mata sat 93-94 with his fastball, touching 96, and that only one of the singles came cheaply. Durbin Feltman allowed one unearned run in his inning of relief. The 2018 third-round pick struck out three without allowing a hit, but also walked a pair and needed 33 pitches to escape the inning. A big night at the plate by Jarren Duran went for naught, as the center fielder ripped two doubles as part of a 3-for-4 afternoon. Brett Netzer went deep for the fifth time this season with a ninth-inning solo shot.
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Thaddeus Ward turned in another solid effort but got little offensive support and was saddled with the loss. Ward allowed two runs on five hits in five innings, striking out six and walking four. His record stands at 1-2 since his promotion from Greenville despite having allowed two or fewer earned runs in seven of his eight Carolina League starts. The bullpen continued Ward's work as a quartet of relievers combined for four shutout frames, striking out six without issuing a walk. The offense generated just three hits, with a second-inning triple by Edgar Corcino the only one going for extra bases.
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Little went right for the Drive as they dropped their eighth straight. Chase Shugart had a rough outing, giving up seven runs (six earned) on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings. Shugart gave up only 12 runs in his first 10 outings of the year but has given up 16 in his last three. Tyler Esplin had a solid game out of the leadoff spot, doubling twice to tie him with CJ Chatham for an organization-leading 23. Brandon Howlett added a two-bagger of his own, his 22nd.
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Lowell dropped the rubber match of its three-game set with the Spikes, but it maintains a healthy lead in the Stedler Division. Ryan Zeferjahn got the start, getting touched for a two run homer in his lone inning of work. Kelvin Sanchez was very good in the piggyback role, giving up just two runs on three hits in six innings. At the plate, Cameron Cannon doubled and walked. Stephen Scott also doubled, while Antoni Flores notched his first triple of the season.
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Player of the Day: After a torrid start with Salem, where every batted ball seemed to find a place a fielder wasn't standing, Double-A Portland was a tough adjustment for Jarren Duran. In his first 40 Eastern League contests, Duran hit .208/.276/.252 and endured one 15 game stretch without an extra-base hit. Things seemed to turn around on July 21 when he went 2 for 5, kicking off a 12-game hitting streak. Though that streak was halted on Saturday, Duran was bat in the swing on Sunday, collecting two doubles as part of a three-hit effort. He is hitting .417 (25 for 60) over his last 14 games.
Photo Credit: Jarren Duran by Kelly O'Connor