Cup of Coffee: Ugueto, Kavadas lead way on big offensive night
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All nine starters for the Sox had at least one hit in their 12-run attack. Jamie Wesbrook went 2 for 5 with a a pair of doubles, two RBI, and two runs out of the cleanup spot. Niko Kavadas also had a big night, going 2 for 4 with two doubles and three runs driven in. The first baseman raised his OPS to 1.123 on the season. Mark Contreras and Corey Rosier each had a single and a double, while Karson Simas belted a three-run homer as part of his four-RBI night. Richard Fitts collected his second victory of the season with a very strong outing. The right-hander surrendered two runs over six innings of work, striking out seven and walking just two. Vladimir Gutierrez allowed three runs in three innings of relief, but was credited with a save.
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The Sea Dogs came out hot in the first inning with a five-spot, sparked by Marcelo Mayer's double. Kyle Teel followed him with a two-run double, scoring Roman Antony, who walked, and Mayer. Eddinson Paulino collected two hits, a walk, and three RBI in five trips to the plate. His OPS sits at an impressive .853 so far in his first season wit Portland. Blaze Jordan reached three times as well with a single and two walks. Portland swiped five bases, including two from Mayer and one each from Paulino, Nick Decker, and Nick Yorke. Zach Penrod tossed five solid innings, allowing just two runs on five hits. He punched out seven and walked a pair. Jonathan Brand continued his impressive season with a shutout inning, as his ERA remains 0.00 over 14 2/3 frames. Ryan Zeferjahn, who also has not allowed an earned run this year, was tremendous, striking out four without a walk in two shutout innings.
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Ronald Rosario and Miguel Ugueto (pictured) led the way on offense for Greenville. Both hitters went 3 for 5, with Ugueto collected two doubles and Rosario roping his first triple of the year. Kristian Campbell went 2 for 5 with a single, a walk, and his second long ball of the year. Allan Castro also went deep and scored three times as part of his 2-for-4 night. Cutter Coffey added a two-run blast as well. Cooper Adams started for the Drive and allowed six runs over four innings, although only two of them were earned. He struck out three and did not issue a walk. Gabriel Jackson allowed a lone run over four innings of relief with a pair of stirkeouts, and Cade Feeney closed it out with a scoreless ninth inning.
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Matt Duffy took the loss despite starting off this game as well as possible, striking out the first six batters he faced. He ended up allowing four runs, just one of them earned, over 4 1/3 frames with seven strikeouts and one walk. Jojo Ingrassia allowed two runs in two innings, but picked up four strikeouts to give him 20 over 12 innings this season. At the plate, Johanfran Garcia, Nelly Taylor, and Natanael Yuten had six of Salem's seven knocks, as they each had two. Antonio Anderson also had a double and two RBI.
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Player of the Day: Miguel Ugueto's three hits and two doubles in Greenville's win earn him Player of the Day honors. An international free agent signing in 2019, the 21-year old Ugueto is off to a phenomenal start in 2024, hitting .349/.396/.465 in 12 games. The outfielder has five doubles and three stolen bases.
Photo Credit: Miguel Ugueto by Kelly O'Connor