September 29, 2021 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: DSL affiliates sweep on Tuesday
9/29 Cup of Coffee: Three DSL games filled the slate, with the Red Sox affiliates notching a clean sweep. There were solid pitching performances across the teams, with Michael Valera and Barbaro Pinero having the two best.
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The Red Sox pulled away late in the completion of a suspended game. Yordanny Monegro pitched well before the rain came, striking out three over three shutout innings. Barbaro Pinero started things back up on Tuesday and struck out five over 3 1/3 scoreless frames. Alexis Hernandez went 2 for 4 with a home run while playing first base, left field, and right field. After the Pirates inched within one run in the eighth, Johnfrank Salazar gave the Red Sox some cushion by lacing a two-run double.
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An eight-strikeout performance from Andres Ortuno led the way for the Red Sox. Ortuno allowed two runs over his five innings, and Frailyn Sanchez did not allow a run over the final two innings. The offense chipped away throughout the game, totaling nine singles, six walks, and three stolen bases. Ahbram Liendo was on base four times with two hits and two walks, and he also stole a base.
A dominant outing from Michael Valera propelled the Red squad to another victory. Valera did not allow a baserunner and struck out six over three innings. Jesus Rosillo and Efren Diaz combined to allow one run over the final four innings as both pitchers kept their ERA's under 2.00. Frank Astacio drove in two of the five runs as he went 2 for 2 with a double and a walk.
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Player of the Day: Michael Valera entered the day with a 7.48 ERA, but he was at his best on Tuesday. Valera struck out six over three spotless frames that included him striking out the side in the second. Valera was signed for $7,000 in 2019, and the 22-year-old likely ended his season on a high note.