June 19, 2024 at 7:00 AM
Cup of Coffee: Campbell, Mayer, Teel each collect three hits in Portland's wild win
-----
It was a rough one for the pitching staff, as Justin Hagenman started and allowed four runs, all on solo shots, in four innings of work. Naoyuki Uwasawa was the lone bright spot, allowing just one run on one hit over two innings with one strikeout and one walk. Jorge Benitez and Andrew Politi surrendered five and six runs, respectively. At the plate, Eddy Alvarez had a nice night by going 1 for 3 with two walks and his eighth home run of the season. Nick Sogard, Niko Kavadas, and Mickey Gasper each had two-hit nights, as Sogard hit his 12th double of the year. Chase Meidroth also walked and roped a two-run double.
-----
The Sea Dogs won a slugfest to move back into first place in their division. They did it behind their big bats yet again, as Marcelo Mayer, Kyle Teel, and Kristian Campbell each had three-hit games. Mayer and Teel both doubled and drove in a pair of runs, while Campbell was a perfect 3 for 3 that included a walk and his third Double-A home run. Blaze Jordan delivered in the clutch, driving a three-run triple in the seventh inning to pull Portland within a run. They went ahead with three more in the eighth inning, highlighted by Mayer's game-tying RBI knock. Tyler McDonough and Tyler Miller each went 2 for 4 with two runs scored, while Nick Decker hit his fourth long ball of the year. Hunter Dobbins started and allowed three runs on five hits over 3 2/3 innings. He punched out two and walked three. After Theo Denlinger gave up six runs, Jacob Webb earned his sixth win of the season with one run allowed in the final two frames. He struck out a pair and did not issue a walk.
-----
It was a quiet night for the offense, as they managed just six hits, all singles. Cutter Coffey's six-game home run streak came to an end, but he still went 2 for 4. Luis Ravelo also went 2 for 3. Connelly Early turned in one of his best starts of the season, tossing five shutout frames while allowing just one hit. The 2023 fifth rounder struck out six and walked two. Jeremy Wu-Yelland threw a perfect frame with two strikeouts. He threw just 10 pitches, nine for strikes.
-----
Elmer Rodriguez propelled Greenville to a close win, throwing five scoreless innings to begin the game. The righty allowed just two hits and one walk to go along with four strikeouts. He lowered his ERA to 2.74 in 49 1/3 frames this year. Royman Blanco allowed just one run over three innings before Nathanael Cruz threw a shutout ninth inning wit two strikeouts. Antonio Anderson was the offensive hero in this one, going 2 for 4 with a walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth. Brooks Brannon had a 3-for-4 night that included an RBI double in the first inning. Andy Lugo and Freili Encarnacion each had two hits as well.
-----
Franklin Arias was the catalyst, reaching base four times from the leadoff spot in the order. The second baseman singled twice, doubled, and drew a walk, raising his OBP to .417 on the year in 26 games. Kelvin Diaz went 1 for 3 with a double and a walk, and Franyer Noria singled, walked, and drove in a pair. Yeferson Vargas started and pitched well, surrendering just a run over four innings with two strikeouts and no walks. Luis Talavera also did not allow a hit in two innings of work with two strikeouts, and Yonfi Rodriguez picked up the win with a shutout ninth inning.
-----
The Sox improved their record to 9-2 behind a four-hit day from Jorge Rodriguez. After taking an 0-for-4 in the season-opening game, Rodriguez is 9 for his last 16 (.563). Christopher Alvarado had a nice game as well, going 2 for 4 with a walk and three RBI. Anderson Fermin went 2 for 5 with a walk and a double out of the leadoff spot, while Justin Barry roped his first homer of the season, a two-run shot. Chad Delancey added two hits and a walk as well. Charlie Zink started and pitched very well, allowing no runs on just one hit and one walk with two strikeouts. Yander Bonaci tossed 1 1/3 innings of scoreless ball before Greider Colina finished off the final two innings without a run, walk, or hit. He punched out a pair.
-----
Vladimir Asencio and Justin Gonzales were the two Sox hitters to have multi-hit games. Asencio went 2 for 3 with two runs scored, and Gonzales went 3 for 5 with his third double of the year and an RBI. Gonzales' OPS is now up to 1.143 in 10 games this year. Edwin Darville and Tavano Baker each roped triples and scored a run. Dalvinson Reyes continued his fine season, starting this game off with four shutout innings on the mound. He struck out four and walked just one. He has yet to allow a run this year in 11 innings and has allowed just five hits and one walk to go along with 12 strikeouts. Brahian Rijo also pitched well out of the bullpen with 1 2/3 scoreless frames without allowing a hit.
-----
Player of the Day: Kristian Campbell gets another Player of the Day nod as his hot streak with Portland continues. He is now hitting .426/.500/.741 with 10 extra-base hits in 13 Double-A games. He now has back-to-back three-hit games and has hit safely in 12 of his 13 games with the Sea Dogs.
Photo Credit: Kristian Campbell by Kelly O'Connor