PawSox Over Take Knights, 7-4

The Pawtucket Red Sox broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the top of the fifth inning on their way to a 7-4 victory over the Charlotte Knights last night in Rock Hill, SC. The win earned the PawSox a split of their four game series with the Knights and a 4-4 record on their eight game Carolina road swing.

The PawSox took the lead in the fifth with some help from the Knights. With one out Joe Thurston reached first on an error by pitcher Jack Egbert, who couldn't handle a throw while covering first from first baseman Royce Huffman. Thurston advanced to third on a single by Jed Lowrie then scored on a base hit by Chris Carter. Lowrie scored on a single by George Kottaras, putting the PawSox up 4-2. They would stay on top the remainder of the game.

Thurston had a big day at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a homer and two RBI's. Bobby Kietly also had three hits (3 for 5) and drove in a run. Jed Lowrie (2 for 4) extended his hitting streak to eight games and had an RBI. Gil Velazquez also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.

The PawSox were led on the mound by Edgar Martinez (2-1), who made a spot start for Manager Ron Johnson. Martinez earned with win, pitching five innings, giving up two runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four. He also gave a solo home run to Danny Richar.

The PawSox bullpen was able to keep the Knights in check. Lincoln Holdzkom gave up a run on four hits over two innings of work. Jon Switzer yielded an unearned run in his inning and two-thirds on the mound. Chris Smith retired the last batter of the game to earn his seventh save of the year.

Egbert (1-5) took the loss, giving up four runs (two earned) over five innings. He surrendered nine hits, walking one and striking out eight. Adam Russell gave up two runs (one earned) during two innings on the mound. Dewon Day yielded the seventh PawSox run in the eighth.

Richar, Josh Fields, and Chris Getz had two hits apiece for the Knights. Getz added two RBI's.

The PawSox return home to McCoy tonight (6:05 pm) when the open up a three game series with the Buffalo Bisons.

BOX SCORE