Daniel Espino shines as Lynchburg loses on rain-soaked day

Cleveland minor league recap for June 3, 2021

Cleveland affiliates have struggled lately, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise that three of the four full-season squads had their games rained out on Wednesday.

Lynchburg Hillcats 2, Salem Red Sox 3 (F/11)

Box Score · Hillcats fall to 14-10

The Lynchburg offense may not have been impressive Wednesday, but the pitching was phenomenal.

Daniel Espino began the game with five stellar shutout innings of work. He struck out five batters and walked four while surrendering six hits. He notably was still hitting 101 mph in the fifth inning. Sustaining his velocity deeper into starts will be a big factor in his continued advancement of prospect status.

Espino was followed by three terrific innings out of the bullpen by Randy Labaut. Labaut struck out six and allowed just one hit while walking three in his scoreless outing.

The game remained scoreless until the ninth inning, where they traded runs. In extra innings, where, with the runner on second base to begin each frame, both teams continued to trade runs. Unfortunately, Lynchburg was unable to tie the game in the bottom of the 11th inning.

There wasn't much to speak of offensively for the Hillcats. Angel Martinez went 1-for-4 and was intentionally walked. Cody Farhat also went 1-for-2 with a double and a walk.