September 7, 2019 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Deja vu as Lowell walks off to New York-Penn League finals
9/7 Cup of Coffee: Lowell walked it off for the second night in a row to advance to the New York-Penn League finals, as Joe Davis played the hero role yet again. Alex Erro came up big for Lowell offensively, while the pitching staff combined for 17 strikeouts. Salem dropped a tough one despite a great pitching performance from Andrew Politi.
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Salem could not finish off a sweep of the Blue Rocks as they lost in heartbreaking fashion. The Sox broke a 1-1 tie in the top of the eighth when Tyler Esplin drove a one-out single, promptly went first to third on another single by Tanner Nishioka, then scored on a wild pitch.
A wild ninth inning followed, as Salem fell victim to Wilmington's execution of small ball. The Blue Rocks dropped down three bunts in the frame, one for a single, one for a sacrifice, and the game-winner on a safety squeeze. Dominic LoBrutto took the tough loss, as he was charged with both runs that scored in the ninth. Andrew Politi carried his very solid campaign into the playoffs, firing four shutout innings to begin the game with just one walk and an impressive seven strikeouts. Dylan Thompson followed Politi and allowed a run in 2 1/3 innings.
It was a rough night offensively for the Sox, collecting just five hits to go along with 12 strikeouts and no walks. Devlin Granberg went 2 for 4 with a double, the only extra-base hit for Salem, and an RBI. Salem still holds on to a 2-1 series lead and will try to close it out on the road again tonight.
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Another night, another walk-off RBI for Joe Davis. It wasn't as glamorous this time, as Davis sent a bouncer to the shortstop for a walk-off fielder's choice, but it was enough to push Lowell into the New York-Penn League finals. This one was a team effort, as the offense banged out 12 hits and five Lowell pitchers combined to strikeout 17.
Ryan Zeferjahn got it started with three solid innings, allowing just one run with four strikeouts. Aldo Ramirez came on and gave up two runs, but struck out a ridiculous eight batters in just 3 2/3 innings. Tom Windle got the final out of the seventh before Ryan Fernandez threw a pair of shutout innings with three strikeouts. Kris Jackson ended up with the win, tossing a scoreless tenth inning with two punch outs.
Alex Erro led off the ninth inning with his second double of the game, which was followed by a sacrifice bunt. Two intentional walks set the stage for Davis, who was able to do his job and get the ball in play. Erro also scored twice and walked in addition to his two doubles, while Jaxx Groshans and Stephen Scott each reached three times with two hits and a walk. Nick Decker had a great night as well with two singles and two free passes.
Lowell is now set to face the Brooklyn Cyclones in the finals, with game one at 1:05 p.m. at LeLacheur Park.
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Player of the Night: Alex Erro was taken in the 17th round back in June out of Northwestern, and he played a big role in helping Lowell advance to the finals. The switch-hitting second baseman roped two doubles, took a walk, and scored the game-winning run. Erro only had five extra-base hits in 43 games this year for Lowell, but hit a respectable .277.
Photo Credit: Alex Erro; Lowell Spinners by Kelly O'Connor