Cup of Coffee: Salazar extends hit streak; Guzman cruising in DSL

7/26 Cup of Coffee: Complex League Monday was back, as Boston's short-season affiliates took a win, a loss, and an outcome to be determined later. The Florida Complex League squad fell despite the continued hot bat of Johnfrank Salazar (pictured) and a big day for Juan Chacon. The first-place Red Sox Blue team got back in the win column in the Dominican, while Smil Guzman was interrupted in the midst of hurling a gem for team Red.  

-----

FCL Pirates 7, FCL Red Sox 6

The FCL Sox drew eight free passes but fell in a back-and-forth contest. Juan Chacon led the way at the plate, going 2 for 4 with two runs driven in and a stolen base. Johnfrank Salazar extended his hitting streak to 10 games with a second-inning triple. Salazar is 15 for 31 during his streak. Lyonell James scored two runs as part of a 1-for-2 effort that included a pair of walks. It was a rare afternoon where Jedixson Paez was off his mark. The 18-year-old righty had gone at least four innings in each of his seven previous appearances, but he was knocked out after just 1 2/3 on Monday, having surrendered three runs on four hits. He walked three batters after previously issuing only seven in 34 innings, and struck out a pair. Nate Tellier took the loss after giving up a decisive three-run homer in the eighth.

-----

DSL Red Sox Blue 2, DSL Astros Blue 1

Team Blue rebounded after their first three-game losing streak of the season. A two-run single in the first inning by Andy Lugo was all the offense necessary. Lugo finished 2 for 2 with a walk on the day. Jean Carlos Reyes got the win, allowing one run on three hits in five innings, striking out five while walking one. Elvis Soto struck out one in a perfect ninth to notch his first professional save.

-----

DSL Red Sox Red 1, DSL Guardians Blue 0, suspended

Smil Guzman was working on a no-hitter when the rains came and forced a suspension in the fifth inning. Guzman struck out four and walked one in his four innings of work. Yosander Asencio singled in the fourth to account for the Red squad's run. It was not announced when the game would be completed. 

-----

Player of the Day: Smil Guzman entered Monday's play on a slide, having allowed 11 runs in 6 1/3 innings during three July appearances. The right-hander out of the Dominican Republic went four hitless frames before rain forced a suspension after four frames. Guzman will continue his search for his first professional winning decision. 

Photo Credit: Johnfrank Salazar by Kelly O'Connor

Tweet