Red Sox Minor Lines: Alex Scherff struggles again

Greenville L 4-9

Cole Brannen, CF: 1-4, 1 BB, 1 RBI

Tyler Esplin, RF: 1-4, 1 2B, 1 BB, 1 K

Triston Casas, 3B: 0-5, 3 K

Kole Cottam, C: 2-5, 1 2B, 1 RBI, 1 K

Tyler Dearden, DH: 2-4, 1 R, 1 RBI

Grant Williams, SS: 2-3, 1 2B, 1 BB

Alex Scherff: 5.2 IP, 9 H, 6 R, 3 BB, 1 K (95 pitches)

The Drive fell behind 4-0 after three innings in this game and were never able to complete the comeback. The pitching was clearly the biggest issue here, as Scherff continues to struggle finding his footing this year. The righty had an outstanding April, but he has been hit hard consistently since then. It did appear he was getting into a groove in June with four straight starts in which he allowed two or fewer runs, but he’s now allowed a combined 13 runs over his last two starts. Scherff is still only two years removed from high school, but remember he was old for his class. The righty turned 21 in February.

Lowell L 6-7 (F/13)

Jose Carlos Abreu, RF: 2-6, 1 3B, 1 RBI, 1 K

Nicholas Northcut, 3B: 1-4, 1 HR, 1 R, 1 RBI, 1 K

Believe it or not, this game was 1-1 heading into extra innings. There were at least two runs scored between the two sides in each of the four extra inning, with Aberdeen finally getting the win in the 13th. For as many runs as ended up being scored in the game, no Spinners really stood out. It was nice to see Northcut lead the yard. The third base prospect got off to a hot start in his first few games but has struggled a bit since then. Perhaps his first homer of the year will get him back on track.

GCL W 7-2

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

Dominic D’Alessandro, 1B: 1-3, 1 BB

Matthew Lugo, SS: 1-4, 1 RBI

Speaking of third basemen who got off to a hot start but have scuffled a bit since then, Diaz had himself a nice game on Tuesday. As we’ve talked about, he should probably be in Lowell based on talent alone but with the logjam the Red Sox have at the corner infield spot in the lower minors someone has to stay in the complex to get playing time. Diaz likely knows this, and likely also knows that as long as he hits he will get the promotions he deserves.

DSL 1 L 6-12

Eddinson Paulino, SS: 2-3, 2 BB, 1 R, 1 CS, 2 E

Brainer Bonaci, DH: 2-5, 1 R, 2 RBI

Darel Belen, 1B: 1-3, 1 HR, 2 BB, 2 R, 1 RBI

Eduardo Lopez, CF: 2-5, 1 K

DSL 2 L 1-14

Axel James, LF: 2-5, 2 K