Darwinzon Hernandez could not maintain the momentum from his Major League debut in his return to the mound for Double-A Portland on Monday.
Hernandez went 2 1/3 innings without giving up a run on four hits and walk in the second game of the Red Sox doubleheader with the Tigers on April 23. He also struck out four in his relief appearance.
Monday was Hernandez's first start since April 16 and only his second appearance since said date. The 22-year-old lefty could not get out of the first inning against the Hartford Yard Goats (Rockies). In 2/3 of an inning, Hernandez gave up three walks and two hits — one being a grand slam off the bat of Hartford shortstop Alan Trejo. The Yard Goats tagged Hernandez for five runs and he only struck out one.
In spite of the rocky start, the Sea Dogs still pulled off a 7-6 win.
Bobby Dalbec went 2-for-5 and knocked what would be the game-winning run in the sixth on a single to center field. Portland second baseman Brett Netzer went 2-for-5, as well. He had two RBI, one coming on his solo shot in the first inning.
Marcus Wilson (Blake Swihart trade) and C.J. Chatham both went 1-for-3. Wilson’s hit was a two-run blast in the top of the second, his first for Portland. Chatham also knocked in a run.
Mata bounces back
On Monday, Bryan Mata got back to what he’d been doing for Class A Advanced Salem prior to his rough April 24 start, where he gave up three earned runs in four frames on five hits and two walks.
The 19-year-old righty went five scoreless, holding the Carolina Mudcats (Brewers) to two hits and a walk. He also had four K’s.
Jarren Duran’s batting average is back on the right side of .400 (.404) after going 3-for-5 with a run in Salem’s 5-3 loss.