August 6, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Song and Padron-Artiles dominate as Lowell falls
8/6 Cup of Coffee: It was a quiet night in the Red Sox system as just one full season affiliate was in action. In Greenville, the Drive staved off the Grasshoppers thanks to a home run from Cole Brannen and a strong performance from the bullpen. Lowell found themselves on the wrong side of a pitchers' duel as they fell despite excellent performances from Noah Song, Yusniel Padron-Artiles (pictured), and Cameron Cannon.
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The Drive overcame an early deficit thanks to Cole Brannen's first home run of 2019 and were able to hold off the Grasshoppers to earn the win. Devlin Granberg and Everlouis Lozada each laced a double. Brayan Bello had an up and down start, as he allowed two runs in four innings and struck out three. Coming out of the pen Yorvin Pantoja earned the win with two innings of one-run ball, while Yoan Aybar followed him with a pair of shutout frames. Alex Demchak slammed the door in the ninth, striking out the side en route to his third save of the year in the process.
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A late rally found the Spinners as the unfortunate victims of a walk-off despite an excellent showing from Noah Song and Yusniel Padron-Artiles. Song started things off for the Spinners with two scoreless innings and was followed by Padron-Artiles. The Cuban righty allowed just two hits in five innings pitched, while fanning nine batters (the second-highest total of his career). However, things fell apart after this as both Ryan Fernandez and the rehabbing Jenrry Mejia surrendered runs to let the lead slip away.
At the plate, Cameron Cannon led the way with three hits, including his sixth double of the season. Also doubling was Stephen Scott, who added two walks and a run scored. Luke Bandy reached base twice and stole a base, while Alex Erro notched a pair of singles.
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GCL Red Sox @ GCL Rays (TBR), PPD (Inclement Weather)
The Red Sox competition on Monday afternoon was postponed due to weather. The game is set to be made up on Monday, August 19th.
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The Red Sox eked out a win against the Dodgers thanks to some excellent pitching, led by starter Angel Bastardo. Bastardo struck out six across four innings and allowed a single earned run on just one hit and one walk. Adrian Hernandez followed him and was superb, striking out five across three scoreless innings. Robinson Montero allowed just one unearned run in three innings pitched to close out the game. The Red Sox offense was lead by Eduardo Vaughan, who singled twice and scored a run.
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With his seventh home run of the year, Bryan Gonzalez secured the win for the DSL Red Sox2 squad. Things were already well in hand at the time of Gonzalez's home run thanks in large part to two-hit performances from Naysbel Marcano and Giancarlos Santana. Santana also added a walk, in addition to two runs scored. On the mound, Faysel Gregorio tossed five shutout innings and struck out four. Relieving him was Irvin Villarroel, who struck out three in as many innings and allowed a single unearned run.
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Player of the Day: Since joining Lowell from Greenville Yusniel Padron-Artiles has looked like a new pitcher, and that trend continued Monday night. With Lowell, the 2018 draftee has struck out nearly three more batters per nine innings, while more than halving his ERA with the Drive. Although he doesn't possess dominant stuff, Padron-Artiles' ability to mix pitches and throw strikes have been something of a revelation as the righty looks to work his way back up to Low-A.
Photo Credit: Yusniel Padron-Artiles by Kelly O'Connor