August 11, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Shugart dazzles, Dalbec homers again
8/11 Cup of Coffee: Dominant pitching performances were the theme of the night as four affiliates held their opponents to one run or less. Thaddeus Ward continued to roll in Salem, while Chase Shugart (pictured) was once again dominant to earn Greenville the win. Noah Song was excellent in his abbreviated start as Lowell won their contest, and an offensive outburst from Cedanne Rafaela helped the GCL Red Sox split their doubleheader.
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A power surge from the Pawtucket offense was just enough to see the PawSox to victory Saturday night. Rusney Castillo got things started in the first inning with a two run home run, and would also double to round out his four-RBI performance. With his second home run in as many days, Bobby Dalbec continued his hot start to his Triple-A career, while scoring a pair of runs. From the leadoff spot, Tzu-Wei Lin notched three singles, and Josh Ockimey and Cole Sturgeon each added a double apiece.
Mike Shawaryn started things off well by striking out six in three scoreless innings, but Toledo struck back by reaching Jenrry Mejia for two runs in as many innings. Earning the win, Ryan Brasier fired a scoreless inning with two strike outs, and Trevor Kelley collected his tenth save of the season despite allowing a run in the ninth.
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A last gasp comeback came up well short as the Sea Dogs fell to the RubberDucks. Brett Netzer was the catalyst for the abortive rally, as his home run reduced the RubberDucks lead to four. The Sea Dogs were unable to do much else at the plate, with Charlie Madden's double the only other extra-base hit mustered by Portland. Bryan Mata was on the mound for Portland and was hit hard, surrendering six runs in four innings pitched. Coming out of the bullpen, Matthew Gorst was solid, striking out three in as many innings and surrendering a run. Durbin Feltman followed him and delivered two perfect innings and striking out two.
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Continuing his fine form since joining Salem, Thaddeus Ward was dominant on Saturday to help earn the Red Sox the win. Ward tossed five scoreless innings and struck out eight, as he only surrendered a single hit. He was followed by Logan Browning and Joan Martinez, who combined for four scoreless innings to complete the shut out. Pedro Castellanos kept his recent power sure going as he launched his seventh home run of the season. Nick Lovullo added a double and a run scored from the nine spot, while Edgar Corcino lead the Salem hit column by lacing a pair of singles.
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In what is becoming a regular occurence for the Drive, Chase Shugart delivered an excellent outing to help Greenville earn the victory. Shugart scattered three hits across eight shut out innings and struck out three to earn his sixth win of the season. Hunter Haworth earned the save with a perfect ninth. Tyler Esplin and Kole Cottam brought the only offense Greenville needed, as they each doubled and drove in a run.
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An offensive barrage helped lift Lowell over the Lake Monsters Saturday night. Stephen Scott had a night to remember as he launched his first home run as a professional, and doubled as he drove in four runs. At the top of the order Gilberto Jimenez was excellent, doubling as part of a two-hit night and scoring a pair of runs. Batting behind him Cameron Cannon was not to be outdone, notching three hits including a double. Nick Decker tripled as part of a two hit performance, while Antoni Flores added a pair of singles.
Noah Song was on the mound for Lowell and continued the hot start to his professional career as he tossed three shut out frames and struck out two. Yusniel Padron-Artilles followed him in a piggyback role and was solid, striking out five and surrendering two runs in four innings pitched. Closing things out Dylan Spacke allowed one run in two innings out of the 'pen and struck out three.
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A bullpen meltdown cost the GCL Red Sox the first game of their doubleheader. Aaron Perry started the game for the Red Sox and was tagged for two runs in just one inning pitched. He was followed by Casey Sutherland who put in a strong showing by striking out five in four innings of one run ball, but things fell apart after that. The offense made the most of their day, thanks in large part to an outstanding performance from Cedanne Rafaela. Rafaela scored twice and notched three hits including a triple, while Bramdon Perez chipped in with a pinch-hit double.
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The GCL Red Sox earned the victory in game two of their doubleheader thanks to an excellent performance from the pitching staff. Gregorio Reyes was on the mound and allowed just four singles across five shut out innings, striking out two. Yoelvis Guedez struck out a pair as he completed the shutout with two scoreless innings. At the plate Ceddane Rafaela's excellent performance from game one carried over as he notched a pair of hits, including a solo shot in the first inning. Daniel Bakst got in on the action with a double, his sixth of the season.
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A strong pitching performance lead by Angel Bazardo helped lift the DSL Red Sox1 squad over the Royals. Bastardo scattered two hits across five innings, surrendering only a single run. Pitching out of the bullpen Adrian Hernandez delivered two scoreless innings despite walking three, and Jesus Rosillo earned the save with another pair of scoreless frames. On offense Darel Belen brought the power with a solo shot, and Erick Flores drove in a man with a double. Eduardo Lopez lead the Red Sox in the hit column with a pair of hits, including a triple.
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Jose Navas and Gregori Custodio were a two man wrecking crew at the plate for the Red Sox, but a late inning comeback fell short. Navas and Custodio smacked a double and a homerun each, while also driving in two runs and scoring a run apiece. Axel James contributed with a stolen base and a double of his own, while Denny Daza singled, walked, and scored a pair of runs. Starter Faysel Gregorio was rocked to the tune of seven runs in four innings, but struck out two. Irvin Villaroel was solid in relief, tossing three innings and surrendering only a single run. Closing things out was Robinson Parra who tossed a scoreless inning.
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Player of the Day: Coming off of his two worst starts of the 2019 campaign, Chase Shugart returned to form with perhaps his best start of the season. With Shugart's eight shut out innings, he has lowered his ERA to a sterling 2.40 across 14 starts and 78 2/3 innings pitched.
Photo Credit: Chase Shugart by Kelly O'Connor