Red Sox Minor Lines: Matthew Lugo makes his debut

Pawtucket W 7-5

Tzu-Wei Lin, 2B: 3-4, 1 RBI, 1 K

Bryce Brentz, DH: 1-4, 1 HR, 1 BB, 1 R, 2 RBI, 2 K

Rusney Castillo, CF: 1-3, 2 BB, 1 R, 1 K

Josh Ockimey, 1B: 1-5, 1 R, 2 K

Jantzen Witte, 3B: 2-5, 1 R

Juan Centeno, C: 2-4, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI

Cole Sturgeon, LF: 3-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K

Teddy Stankiewicz: 5 IP, 9 H, 5 R, 0 BB, 3 K (92 pitches)

Jenrry Mejia: 2 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 1 BB, 4 K (39 pitches)

Bobby Poyner: 1 IP, 1 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 0 K (16 pitches)

Trevor Kelley: 1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 BB, 1 K (13 pitches)

This was a big game for the PawSox, who came back to score three runs in the final two innings to take the lead. The story of this one was the bullpen, who tossed four scoreless innings that provided the offense the opportunity to come back. Kelley in particular stands out just as he has all year. The sidearmer now has a 0.96 ERA in 37 ²⁄₃ innings with 34 strikeouts and 12 walks.

Portland L 4-5 (F/10)

Jarren Duran, CF: 2-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 SB

C.J. Chatham, SS: 1-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI, 1 K

Bobby Dalbec, 3B: 0-4, 1 BB, 2 K

Joey Curletta, 1B: 0-3, 1 BB, 1 RBI

Tate Matheny, RF: 2-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 2 K

Denyi Reyes: 8 IP, 4 H, 3 R, 0 BB, 3 K (97 pitches)

The Sea Dogs couldn’t hold on in extras down in Reading, but they did get a solid start from Reyes. The big righty allowed three runs in the first inning before turning on cruise control. At one point he retired 13 straight batters and the eight innings he pitched was the most of any Portland pitcher this year. He’s been extremely up-and-down this year, but we’ve seen the formula for his success. If he’s hitting his spots his pitch mix and command is enough to get by, at least at this level. It’s just a matter of consistency with said command.

Salem L 2-6

Pedro Castellanos, 1B: 1-4, 1 E

Marcus Wilson, CF: 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 E

Thad Ward: 6 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 2 BB, 7 K (89 pitches)

Zach Schellenger: 1.2 IP, 1 H, 1 R, 1 BB, 1 K (31 pitches)

It seems the jump to High-A has still not really provided much of a challenge for Ward, who came through with another spectacular start on Friday. Last year’s fifth round pick has been incredible all year in the Red Sox farm system, and with this latest strong outing he has an ERA under 2.00 for the year.

Greenville L 3-4

Cole Brannen, CF: 1-4, 1 2B, 3 K

Triston Casas, 1B: 1-1, 1 3B

Brandon Howlett, 3B: 1-4, 1 BB, 1 K

Tyler Dearden, LF: 2-3, 1 BB

Alex Scherff: 4 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 1 BB, 3 K (90 pitches)

This was a tough, ninth inning loss for the Drive. At the start of the game, Scherff didn’t really allow too much damage but it still wasn’t a great start for the righty as he struggled with efficiency. We’ve seen the flashes that have made people excited about him at times this year, but he’s still been very inconsistent as a 21-year-old repeating the level. In other news, Casas was removed after just one at bat. It doesn’t appear that anything too serious is going on here, but it’s certainly something to watch.

Lowell L 4-5 (F/11)

Gilberto Jimenez, CF: 2-5, 1 R, 1 CS

Nicholas Northcut, 3B: 0-3, 1 BB, 1 K

Wil Dalton, RF: 2-5, 1 R, 2 K

Yasel Santana: 5 IP, 9 H, 1 R, 0 BB, 7 K (94 pitches)

It took extra innings but the Spinners saw their seven-game win streak snapped on Friday. Lowell didn’t get much going from their offense, which did feature days off for both Nick Decker and Antoni Flores. On the pitching side, however, Santana was very impressive even with the nine hits allowed. Only one of the nine went for extra bases, and if you’ve ever watched NYPL baseball you know defense probably played a role in at least a few of those singles.

GCL W 4-3 (F/10)

Danny Diaz, 3B: 3-5, 1 2B, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Dean Miller, RF: 2-5, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Dominic D’Alessandro, 1B: 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 K

Matthew Lugo, SS: 1-4, 1 K, 2 E

Breiner Licona, C: 2-4, 1 R

It was the professional debut for Lugo on Friday. The second round pick of this year’s draft is the most highly-touted Red Sox draftee of the year. The first game certainly wasn’t anything to write home about, but Lugo is a long-term project. Diaz, meanwhile, continues to look at little too good for the complex.

DSL 1 L 1-3

Darel Belen, RF: 2-4, 1 RBI, 1 K

Wilker Vargas, 2B: 2-3, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K

DSL 2 L 0-7

Bryan Gonzalez, DH: 0-4, 2 K