PawSox Come From Behind to Nip Wings 7-6

PAWTUCKET- George Kottaras knocked in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth as the PawSox scored twice in the frame to overtake the Rochester Red Wings, 7-6 tonight at McCoy.

The win keeps Pawtucket a ½ ahead of Scranton/Wilkes Barre in the IL North Division. The PawSox have been in sole possession of first place since June 20^th.

The PawSox trailed 6-5 entering the bottom of the ninth after the Red Wings broke-up a 5-5 tie in the top of the inning on an RBI single by LF Garrett Jones.

Jeff Bailey led off the PawSox ninth with a walk off Rochester closer Bobby Korecky (5-4). He was forced at second on Jeff Natale’s fielder’s choice. After Keith Ginter reached after being hit by a pitch, the PawSox tied the game at 6-6 when Rochester first baseman Matt Macri committed an error on a force out throw to second base. Kottaras then grounded a 2-1 pitch to right driving in the winning run.

“It always feels good to do that” said Kottaras, “We were put in that situation…they made an error…and as an opposing team you try to capitalize on that.”

The game featured the McCoy debut of Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden. Unfortunately Bowden did not have the outing he had hoped. The young right-hander gave up 5 runs on 9 hits over 5 2/3 innings of work and did not figure in the decision. Five of Bowden’s nine hits were for extra bases, among them two solo homers, to Wings’ 1B Randy Ruiz in the second and to C Ryan Jorgensen in the fifth.

“He was elevated tonight with his stuff” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “Your margin for error becomes much smaller.”

On the plus side Bowden struck out 6 and walked no one. Bowden has not given up a walk in 15 2/3 innings of work so far in his Triple-A career.

“He was pitch efficient” said Johnson, “When you have someone who has that feel and composure, it’s really impressive.”

The PawSox got off to a hot start, tagging Rochester starter Carmen Cali with three runs in the first. Bailey led off the game with a double to left center. After he advanced to third on Natale’s ground out to third, Ginter drove him in with a line drive single to left. Chris Carter followed with a two run homer to right. It was Carter’s 23^rd of the season.

Pawtucket scored their fourth run in the second on another Bailey double and an RBI single by Natale.

The PawSox tied the game at 5-5 in the seventh off Rochester reliever Mariano Gomez on a two-out single center by George Kottaras.

Bailey ended the game going 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Kottaras and RF Sean Danielson added two hits apiece for Pawtucket.

Ruiz was 3 for 4 with three RBI’s to pace the Red Wings. Jones and RF Howie Clark chipped in with two hits each.

Lincoln Holzkom relieved Bowden and pitched well, working 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, giving up one hit while walking two and striking out one. Despite giving up the go-ahead run in the ninth, Jon Switzer picked up the win to improve to 5-1.

The two clubs wrap-up their four game series tomorrow night (7:05 pm). LHP Francisco Liriano (10-2, 3.28 ERA) throws for the Red Wings. He’ll be opposed by RHP Edgar Martinez (5-2, 4.09 ERA) for the PawSox.

NOTES: The PawSox will soon have a great opportunity to solidify their place in the pennant race. After tomorrow’s game with the Red Wings, the PawSox play six straight against the Yankees. The first two games will be played Saturday and Sunday at McCoy, then the next four will be played in Mossic, PA.

With tonight’s win the PawSox have their fourth consecutive winning month. They finished July 15-12. That comes off the heels of a 15-12 April, a 19-11 May and a 20-9 June.

Casey Daigle pitched tonight for Rochester. His family was in attendance tonight at McCoy. Why bring this up? Because as much as Daigle is looking for a future in the Big Leagues, his wife has already accomplished much on the diamond. His wife...U.S. Women's softball star pitcher Jennie Finch.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Win In Ninth 7-6

The PawSox scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to nip the Rochester Red Wings tonight 7-6. More to come soon...

Red Wings Overtake PawSox in the Sixth 5-4

The Rochester Red Wings have gotten to PawSox starter Michael Bowden as they lead Pawtucket 5-4 through six innings.

The Wings got a solo homer from C Ryan Jorgensen in the top of the fifth and added four hits and two runs of Bowden in the sixth.

Bowden was replaced in the sixth by Lincoln Holdzkom.

PawSox Still Lead Wings, 4-2 After Four Innings

The PawSox still lead the Rochester Red Wings, 4-2 after four innings tonight at McCoy.

The Red Wings got their second run off PawSox starter Michael Bowden in the fourth on an RBI single by Randy Ruiz, his second of the game. Through four Bowden has thrown 44 pitches, 34 for strikes.

PawSox Lead Wings 4-1 After Two

The PawSox lead the Rochester Red Wings, 4-1 after two innings tonight at McCoy

Pawtucket scored three runs in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Keith Ginter and a two run homer by Chris Carter. The homer was Carter's 23rd of the season.

They added a run in the second on an RBI single by Jeff Natale. Jeff Bailey has two doubles in two innings for Pawtucket.

PawSox starter Michael Bowden has made only one mistake through two innings, surrendering a solo homer to right to Rochester 1B Randy Ruiz. Through two Bowden has thrown 23 pitches, 17 for strikes.

More Pre-Game Notes- Johnson Reacts to Trade

Here are some remarks from PawSox Manager Ron Johnson in reaction to today's Red Sox trade of Brandon Moss to the Pirates...

"It's a business, you realize it is, but it's a fraternity. It could turn out to be a great opportunity for Brandon and Craig (Hansen). The biggest thing is hopefully we rectified the problems we have at the Major Leagues."

"I'm excited for Mossie. The bad part, obviously, is that you develop a lot of personal feelings for this kid. Everybody loves him, and we'll be rooting for him...because he's in the National League"

One awkward aspect about the trade was that players in the clubhouse and the media knew about the trade, while Moss was out in the field during batting practice. Johnson summoned Moss at around 4:45pm so he could take part in a conference call with Red Sox staff alerting him of the trade.

Many players in the clubhouse congratulated Moss on the news. A few also added some good-natured ribbing...

In other off-the-field news, Johnson said that Joe Thurston could play tonight if needed, but he will be given one more night off to recover from fouling a pitch off his foot in the game Monday in Toledo.

Check in for updates from the game on the field throughout the night.

Game 113- Red Wings vs. PawSox, July 31, 2008

See my previous post on the Moss trade...

It's the last day of July, and the PawSox hope to end the month on a high note as they take on the Rochester Red Wings again tonight (7:05 pm) in game three of their four game series at McCoy. LHP Carmen Cali (5-0, 3.40) gets the ball for the Red Wings. RHP Michael Bowden (0-2, 3.60) will make his home debut for Pawtucket.

I am in the press box for tonight's contest...Here is a preview...

Rochester Red Wings (53-60)

LINE-UP

Jason Pridie CF
Alejandro Machado DH
Howie Clark RF
Garrett Jones LF
Randy Ruiz 1B
Matt Macri SS
Jeff Hughes 3B
Trevor Plouffe 2B
Ryan Jorgensen C

Cali makes only his second start of the season for the Red Wings. In his first outing last Saturday against Scranton/Wilkes Barre Cali did not figure in the decision giving up two runs on four hits over five innings. Prior to last week Cali made 40 relief appearances for Rochester going 5-0 and earning two saves.

Pawtucket Red Sox (68-44)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B
Jeff Natale 2B
Keith Ginter 3B
Chris Carter DH
George Kottaras C
Sean Danielson RF
Jeff Corsaletti LF
Gil Velazquez SS
Jonathan Van Every CF

The trade of Moss obviously dominated the news from the clubhouse before the game. Moss had been penciled in the PawSox line-up, batting third and playing first base. Manager Ron Johnson had to make a line-up change, moving Ginter to the third spot, moving Bailey to first and adding Corsaletti to left, batting sixth.

Bowden makes his third Triple-A start tonight. Even though he suffered the loss in his first two outings, he has not pitched poorly. In his last outing Saturday at Toledo Bowden gave up only one earned run in the Mud Hens' 1-0 victory. He worked six innings in that game, yielding six hits. he struck out three and walked no one.

More pre-game notes soon...Also, check back for game updates throughout the night.

Moss On His Trade

No need for me to write about the trade of Brandon Moss to the Pirates. Here are his remarks to the press shortly after he was told about the deal...

Game Wraps- July 30, 2008

Here's a look at the results from the rest of the International League from last night...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees are now only a 1/2 game behind the PawSox in the IL North after their 6-0 shutout of the Syracuse Chiefs. Chase Wright and the rest of the Yankees staff surrendered only one hit. BOX

Slugfest in Richmond as the Columbus Clippers nipped the Braves 11-10. Luke Montz belted a pair of homers and drove in three runs while Luis Jiminez also homered and knocked in three for the Clippers. BOX

Meanwhile there was a pitcher's duel in Toledo as the Indianapolis Indians got the best of the Mud Hens 2-1. BOX

Brad Snyder went 3 for 5 with 4 RBI's as the Buffalo Bisons beat the Durham Bulls 8-5. BOX

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have now won four straight road games, holding on to beat the Norfolk Tides 5-4. BOX

Kevin Barker homered and drove in three runs as the Louisville Bats took care of the Charlotte Knights 6-3. BOX

Red Wings Get the Best of PawSox 8-3

Chalk it up to being just one of those games.

The Rochester Red Wings were able to take advantage of some shaky PawSox pitching and sloppy defense on their way to a 8-3 victory this afternoon at a sold-out McCoy Stadium.

The way the game started, it looked like it would be the PawSox that would dominate the game, given the fact that they scored two early runs off Rochester starter Anthony Swarzak making his Triple-A debut. Jeff Bailey led the inning with a walk and reached second when shortstop Matt Macri could not handle a relay throw from second baseman Alejandro Machado. After Brandon Moss lined out to right, Chris Carter followed with an RBI single, also to right. Dusty Brown then drove in Pawtucket's second run with a sacrifice fly to center.

After the first Swarzak settled down, giving up only one more run on a solo homer by Jeff Natale in the fifth. Swarzak (1-0) pitched five innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits. He walked three and struck out two to earn the win. Relievers Julio DePaula and Bobby Korecky pitched the final four innings in scoreless fashion.

The PawSox pitching staff did not fare as well. Starter David Pauley (12-4) proved ineffective in his five innings on the mound. He gave up four runs (two earned) on six hits. He walked one and struck out four. He also surrendered a solo homer to Randy Ruiz in the top of the fourth.

Pawtucket relievers Micheal Tejera and Eric Hull each gave up two runs in their stints on the mound. Tejera's runs came courtesy of a two-run homer by Garret Jones in the seventh.

The usually solid Pawtucket defense proved to be anything but this afternoon. The PawSox committed two errors which led to two unearned runs.

Jones ended the day going 2 for 5 with 3 RBI's. Former PawSox Machado went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Keith Ginter led all PawSox batters with two hits in four plate appearances.

Game three of the series will be tomorrow night (7:05pm). Carmen Cali (5-0) starts for Rochester. He'll be opposed by Michael Bowden (0-2), who will be making his PawSox McCoy debut.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 29, 2008

Here are the results from the rest of the International League from Tuesday night...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees kept pace with the PawSox as four players had at least two hits in their 8-1 win over the Syracuse Chiefs. Ian Kennedy picked-up his third win of the year. BOX

Timo Perez and Kody Kirkland had two RBI's each as the Toledo Mud Hens up ended the Indianapolis Indians 5-3. BOX

Leonard Davis collected two hits and two RBI's in the Columbus Clippers' 5-2 victory over the Richmond Braves. BOX

Morgan Ensberg homered and drove in four runs to pace the Buffalo Bisons to an 8-7 win over the Durham Bulls. BOX

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have won three in a row, led by Rich Thomposon's 4 for 5 night as the they defeated the Norfolk Tides 7-1. BOX

Kevin Baker hit two homers and drove in three runs in the Louisville Bat's 6-3 win over the Charlotte Knights. BOX

PawSox Return Home With A Win

Shortstop Gil Velazquez went 3 for 3 with a double, homer, and 2 RBI's while starter Charlie Zink improved to an IL best 13-3 in the PawSox 5-3 win last night over the Rochester Red Wings before another packed house at McCoy.

Velazquez, a former member of the Red Wings, notched his sixth home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth and added an RBI single in the PawSox three-run seventh. He came close to driving in a another run in the bottom of the second on a double to right but Keith Ginter was thrown out at the plate.

Zink was in control of the Rochester batting order with the exception of giving up three runs in the third. He finished pitching seven innings, yielding nine hits, walking one and striking out two. Jon Switzer and Chris Smith followed Zink to the mound and pitched two perfect innings. Smith notched his 13th save.

Jeff Bailey added to Velazquez offensive performance by going 2 for 4 with a double and a run driven in. Chris Carter also added two hits in four at bats to raise his average to an even .300 for the season. Jonathan Van Every belted a triple and drove in a run.

Jason Pridie, Alejandro Machado, and Randy Ruiz had two hits apiece for the Red Wings.

Rochester starter Kevin Mulvey worked 6 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits but did not figure in the decision. Reliever Ricky Barrett (3-5) gave-up the go ahead runs in the seventh and was credited with the loss.

The two teams play a rare, mid-week matinee game this afternoon (12:05pm) at McCoy. Anthony Swarzak makes his Triple A debut for Rochester, opposed by David Pauley (12-3) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Release Spann, Activate Natale

The PawSox today announced that they have released IF Chad Spann. Spann had been ineffective at the plate this season, batting only .185 with three homers and 20 RBI's in 56 games.



Spann's spot on the roster is being filled by IF Jeff Natale. Natale had been on the disabled list since April 21st when he fractured his left forearm after being hit by a pitch from Buffalo pitcher Edwin Mujica. In five games with the PawSox Natale batted .250. He spent the last two weeks on a rehab stint in Lowell where he batted .333 with one home run and 6 RBI's

Other news from McCoy is that the PawSox have begun selling tickets for potential playoff games. The Governor's Cup playoffs begin September 3rd.

Game 111- Red Wings vs. PawSox, July 29, 2008

The PawSox return home tonight (7:05 pm) to begin a six game home stand with the first of four games against the Rochester Red Wings. Kevin Mulvey (4-8, 3.87 ERA) will pitch for Rochester. He'll be opposed by Charlie Zink (12-3, 2.70 ERA) for the PawSox.

Unfortunately I will not be at the game tonight...but here is a brief overview...

Rochester Red Wings (52-59)

The Red Wings enter the game in fourth place in the IL North, 15 1/2 games behind the PawSox. They have won two in a row, splitting a four-game series with the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees.

Mulvey makes his 21st start of the season. He won his last outing last Thursday against Toledo. In that game he threw five innings giving up one run on four hits. He last faced the PawSox on June 28th, failing to earn the decision in Rochester's 8-6 win.

Pawtucket Red Sox (67-43)

Pawtucket enters the game after a 4-4 road trip against Columbus and Toledo. They still have the best record in the International League, 1 1/2 games on top of Scranton in the IL North. The PawSox hold an 7-3 edge over the Red Wings this season.

Zink takes the mound for the 23rd time tonight. He rebounded from a poor game against the Toledo Mud Hens to earn the win last Thursday at Columbus. He pitched six innings giving up four runs on eight hits. Zink has collected a decision in his last five outings, going 4-1 over that span.

Game Wraps- July 28, 2008

Here are the results from action around the International League...

The PawSox are still 1 1/2 games ahead of the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees in the IL's North Division as the Yankees fell to the Rochester Red Wings 7-4. BOX

Brad Eldred belted a three-run homer in the first, and that was enough as the Charlotte Knights shut-out the Buffalo Bisons 3-0. BOX

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs swept a pair of games from the Richmond Braves, winning the completion of Sunday's game 9-8 in 13 innings and taking game two 4-2. GAME ONE BOX GAME TWO BOX

The Syracuse Chiefs scored 11 runs in the second inning on their way to a 14-1 domination of the Indianapolis Indians. BOX

Joel Guzman hit two homers and drove in all four Durham runs in the Bulls 4-3 win over the Louisville Bats. BOX

The Norfolk Tides put up four runs in the first inning and held on to a 5-2 win over the Columbus Clippers. BOX

PawSox Fall To Hens in 12, 5-4

The PawSox could not capitalize on ample opportunities to score runs and fell to the Toledo Mud Hens, 5-4, in 12 innings this afternoon at Fifth Third Field.

While the PawSox could not take advantage of its scoring chances, it was the Mud Hens who caught a break. They scored the winning run in the bottom of the twelfth on a two-out wild pitch by Pawtucket reliever Lincoln Holdzkom (5-4) on a strikeout to Timo Perez. Instead of ending the inning, the ball went to the backstop and Dusty Brown's throw to first came just a split second too late. Freddy Guzman scored from third to give Toledo the victory.

The story of the game was that the PawSox stranded 15 runners over 12 innings. Twice in extra innings Pawtucket had a runner in scoring position but could not knock the go-ahead run across.

The PawSox got off to a good start, scoring three runs in the first two innings off Toledo starter Anastacio Martinez. Brown belted a two-run double in the first and Joe Thurston knocked in a run in the second on a sacrifice fly.

Despite the early lead the Mud Hens fought back to tie the game off Pawtucket starter Davern Hansack by the end of the fifth inning. Hansack worked six innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out seven.

It looked like the PawSox would pull out the victory after they scored an unearned run in the top of the eighth when Toledo shortstop Derek Wathan could not handle a grounder by Jeff Bailey, plating Gil Velazquez. But the Mud Hens tied it in the bottom of the eighth on a solo homer by second baseman Erick Almonte off PawSox reliever Hunter Jones.

Despite multiple scoring chances the PawSox were only able to scatter eight hits. Guzman had three of the Mud Hens' 11 hits in the game.

Pawtucket ends the 8-game Ohio trip at 4-4 and head back home to McCoy to begin a 4-game series with the Rochester Red Wings starting tomorrow night (7:05 pm). Kevin Mulvey (4-8) will start for Rochester. He'll be opposed by Charlie Zink (12-3) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 27, 2008

Another full slate of action across the International League on Sunday. Here are the results...

The PawSox' lead in the IL North is up to 1 1/2 games after the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees fell to the Rochester Red Wings 10-5. Jason Pridie homered and drove in four runs to lead the Wings. BOX

Buck Coats homered and drove in two runs as the Syracuse Chiefs edged the Indianapolis Indians 4-3. BOX

Three Durham pitchers held the Louisville Bats to four hits as the Bulls earned the 2-0 shut-out. BOX

Morgan Ensberg's grand slam in the eighth gave the Buffalo Bisons some breathing room in their 5-0 shut-out of the Charlotte Knights. BOX

Oscar Salazar had four hits as the Norfolk Tides edged the Columbus Clippers 3-2. BOX

The game between the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and Richmond Braves was suspended in the 13th inning with the Pigs leading 9-8. The game will resume today.

PawSox Bats Return to Form

Seven members of the Pawtucket Red Sox starting line-up collected two hits apiece as the PawSox beat the Toledo Mud Hens 8-5 last night at Fifth Third Field.

Returning 1B Brandon Moss made the most of his two hits, belting both out of the yard (8 HR's for the season) while collecting three RBI's. Chris Carter (22) and George Kottaras (19) also homered for Pawtucket. Jonathan Van Every added a double and knocked in two.

The PawSox did most of their damage off Toledo starter Virgil Vazquez (6-11). Vazquez worked only 2 1/3 innings, giving up six runs on eight hits, including all four Pawtucket home runs. He struck out three and did not walk a batter.

Jeremy Johnson gave up the other two Pawtucket runs over four innings of work on the mound. He gave up six hits while walking two and striking out five.

Meanwhile the PawSox received another strong outing from Edgar Martinez (5-2). Martinez pitched six innings, giving up two runs on two hits. Unfortunately one of those hits was a two-run homer by IL-leading slugger Mike Hessman. Martinez wakled two and struck out six.

Jon Switzer relieved Martinez and gave up two runs, including another homer by Hessman, this time a solo shot in the seventh. Hessman now has 32 homers for the season.

Jose Vaquedano gave up a single run in the eighth while Chris Smith came on to close out the contest and earn his 12th save of the season.

The two teams will wrap-up their four game series with a matinee (12:00pm) match-up today. Davern Hansack (5-9) will throw for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by Anastacio Martinez (2-3) for Toledo.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 26, 2008

Here are the results from across the International League last night...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees remain on a tear, as Cody Ransom's to-run homer in the sixth proved to be the difference in the Yankees' 4-3 win over the Rochester Red Wings. BOX

The Richmond Braves scattered 10 hits on their way to a 4-1 victory over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. BOX

Hector Luna's two-run homer in the eighth lifted the Syracuse Chiefs past the Indianapolis Indians 6-5. BOX

The Louisville Bats broke a 3-3 tie with two runs inthe top of the ninth as they edged the Durham Bulls 5-3. BOX

Four Buffalo pitchers limited the Charlotte Knights to two hits in the Bisons 4-0 shutout. BOX

Jorge Padilla went 5 for 5 with 4 RBI's to pace the Columbus Clippers to a 11-5 win over the Norfolk Tides. BOX

Hens Get Best of Pitcher's Duel

The Pawtucket Red Sox and Toledo Mud Hens gave fans at Fifth Third Field a clinic on great pitching. And it was the Hens who won he duel.

Toledo's Eddie Bonine was just a little better than Pawtucket's Michael Bowden as the Mud Hens nipped the PawSox 1-0.

Bonine (11-2) allowed only a single hit over seven innings of work to earn the win. That came in the form of a Dusty Brown single in the second inning. Over his 98-pitch performance Bonine walked one while striking out seven.

Toledo relievers Francisco Cruceta and Blaine Neal also shut down the PawSox, with the only other Pawtucket hit coming in the ninth on a bunt single by Joe Thurston. The PawSox never had a runner advance past second base all night. Blaine earned his 25th save of the season.

Bowden (0-2) deserved a better fate in his second start with the team. His only mistake came in the fourth inning when he gave up a solo homer to Timo Perez. Bowden pitched six innings, yielding six hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. PawSox relievers Lincoln Holdzkom and Hunter Jones pitched the remainder of the game giving up only one hit over two innings.

The PawSox loss, combined with another Scranton/Wilkes Barre win, leaves Pawtucket only 1/2 ahead of the Yankees in the IL North.

Game three of the series with Toledo takes place tonight (6:30 pm) Edgar Martinez (4-2) takes the mound for Pawtucket. He will face Virgil Vaaquez for the Hens.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 25, 2008

Here are the results from across the International League from last night...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees kept pace with the PawSox as they scored seven un-answered runs in their 7-3 win over the Rochester Red Wings. BOX

Brandon Watson went 4 for 5 with three RBI's t lead the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs to a 6-5 win over the Richmond Braves. BOX

A five-run first inning was enough to lead the Durham Bulls over the Louisville Bats 10-5. BOX

Fernando Cortez belted two homers and drove in four runs as the Charlotte Knights crushed the Buffalo Bisons 15-4. BOX

Five Norfolk Tides batters collected at least two hits in their 9-3 win over the Columbus Clippers. BOX

Four Indianapolis Indians drove in at least two runs in their 10-2 domination of the Syracuse Chiefs. BOX

Pauley, PawSox Edge Hens

What a difference 5 days makes.

Last Sunday PawSox starter David Pauley struggled in a loss to the Toledo Mud Hens. Since then Pauley apparently learned a thing or two as he dominated the Hens last night in Pawtucket's 3-2 win at Fifth Third Field in Toledo.

Pauley (12-3) worked 7 2/3 innings giving up only one run on five hits. He walked one and struck out nine throwing 99 pitches, 69 for strikes. The only run he allowed came in the eighth as it appeared fatigue was beginning to set in.

In last Sunday's 8-4 loss to Toledo at McCoy Pauley gave up five runs in only 3 1/3 innings of work.

The Mud Hens made the game interesting by coming to within a run in the bottom of the ninth. But PawSox reliever Chris Smith settled down and earned his 11th save.

Offensively the PawSox scored all their runs via the long ball. Joe Thurston belted his eighth homer of the season in the top of the first and Chris Carter added a two-run shot (his 21st) in the sixth. Carter's two RBI's give him a league lead 73 for the season.

Thurston, Carter, and Keith Ginter led the PawSox with two hits apiece. Brandon Moss returned to the club last night, playing first base and going 0 for 3.

Toledo starter Yorman Bazardo (4-6) pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He walked three, struck out six, and gave up both PawSox homers.

With the win the PawSox are now 3-2 on this eight game road trip, winners of their last three. Game two of the four game set takes place tonight (7:00pm). Michael Bowden (0-1) makes his second start for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by Eddie Bonine (10-2) for the Hens.

BOX SCORE

Moss Sent Back to Pawtucket

As the Red Sox prepare to welcome back David Oriz to the starting line-up tonight, they have optioned Brandon Moss back to Pawtucket.

Moss hit .295 with two homers and 11 RBI's in 34 games this season with Boston.

Game Wraps- July 24, 2008

Here are the results from around the International League yesterday...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees split a doubleheader yesterday, losing game one 6-3 and winning game two on a Ben Broussard three-run walk-off home run 4-1. GAME ONE BOX GAME TWO BOX

The Durham Bulls and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs split a double header, with Durham winning last night's suspended game 6-5 and the Iron Pigs taking game two 2-0. GAME ONE BOX GAME TWO BOX

Garrett Jones belted a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to lead the Rochester Red Wings over the Toledo Mud Hens 6-1 in a game shortened to five innings due to rain. BOX

Neil Walker went 2 for 4 and drove in three runs in the Indianapolis Indians' 8-3 win over the Charlotte Knights. BOX

Catcher Ryan Hanigan had three hits to pace the Louisville Bats over the Syracuse Chiefs 4-3. BOX

The Norfolk Tides and Buffalo Bisons contest was washed out by rain.

PawSox Bats Re-Surge, Over Take Clippers 11-6

The Pawtucket Red Sox offense returned from a short slump in impressive fashion, pounding out 13 hits and four home runs on its way to a 11-6 win over the Columbus Clippers this afternoon at Cooper Stadium.

Much of the PawSox damage came out of the bottom of the line-up. The six through nine place hitters combined for 8 hits and drove in 8 runs. Dusty Brown (#10), Gil Velazquez (#5), Chad Spann (#3), and Sean Danielson (#1) all homered. Spann led all hitters with 4 RBI's. Velazquez and Sandy Madera added two apiece.

Chris Cater fell a homer short of the cycle, going 3 for 4 with an RBI. Velazquez also had three hits on the afternoon.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink (12-3) picked up the win, although at times he did seem to struggle. He gave up five runs (four earned) on eight hits over six innings. He struck out five and did not surrender a walk. Jon Switzer gave up one run in two innings of work while Eric Hull pitched a scoreless ninth.

For the Clippers, starter Marco Estrada also struggled at times although he did not figure in the decision. He also worked six innings, yielding five runs on six hits. He walked three, struck out six, and gave up one of the PawSox' four home runs.

The loss fell to reliever Ryan Wagner (0-1). He pitched into the eighth but not before giving up five runs on six hits. He was touched for two home runs. Zechry Zinicola worked the ninth and gave up Brown's solo homer.

Offensively for Columbus Lance Broadway led all batters with three hits. Emilio Bonifacio, Leonard Davis, and William Bergola each contributed two hits to the Clippers' 11 hit attack.

With the win the PawSox earned a split of the four game series. They move on to Toledo for a four game series which begins tomorrow night (7:00pm). RHP David Pauley (11-3, 3.55) throws for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by RHP Yorman Bazardo (4-5, 6.21) for the Mud Hens.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 23, 2008

Here are the scores from last night around the International League...

Rain wreaked havoc on two games...The Richmond-Scranton/Wilkes Barre game was postponed while the Durham-Lehigh Valley contest was suspended in the second inning with the Bulls holding a 4-0 lead.

The Indianapolis Indians broke a 1-1 tie with two runs in the bottom of the sixth inning and went on to a 3-1 win over the Charlotte Knights. BOX

The Norfolk Tides banged out 15 hits in their 8-5 win over the Buffalo Bisons. Six different players drove in runs for Norfolk. BOX

Alvin Colina belted a two-out, two-run double in the bottom of the ninth to lead the Louisville Bats to a 2-1 win over the Syracuse Chiefs. BOX

Jason Pridie belted two homers and drove in three runs to lead the Rochester Red Wings to a 9-6 win over the Toledo Mud Hens. BOX

PawSox Need Ten to Nip Clippers 3-2

The PawSox snapped their four game losing streak last night, as George Kottaras drove in his second run of the game in the top of the 10th inning to lead Pawtucket to a 3-2 victory over the Columbus Clippers.

Kottaras' hit came with two outs off Columbus reliever Chris Schroder (5-3), plating Joe Thurston, who had led off the inning with ground-rule double to right.

The PawSox held a 2-1 lead going into the bottom of the eighth when the Clippers managed to tie the game off Pawtucket reliever Hunter Jones. Roger Bernadina led off with a ground-rule double and advanced to third on a bunt single by Leonard Davis. Bernadina scored on a ground out to first by Lastings Milledge. Jones then settled down, retiring the next two Columbus batters.

Once again the PawSox received a solid performance out of its pitching staff, led last night by starter Davern Hansack. Hansack worked seven innings, giving up one run on five hits. He walked one and struck out 11. Jones worked a scoreless ninth and earned the win. Chris Smith pitched the tenth to garner his 10th save of the year.

The PawSox scored their other runs of the game in the first inning. Jeff Bailey led off with a walk and advanced to third on a Thurston double. One out later Bailey scored on a ground out by Chris Carter. Thurston was driven in on a Kottaras double to right.

Thurston and Kottaras each had two hits as part of the 8-hit Pawtucket attack. Bernadina, Davis, and Luis Jiminez had two hits each for Columbus.

The two teams wrap up their four game series with a matinee (12:00pm) match-up this afternoon at Cooper Stadium. RHP Charlie Zink (11-3, 2.83) looks to get back to his winning ways on the mound for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by RHP Marco Estrada (2-1, 4.89) for the Clippers.

BOX SCORE

Game Wraps- July 22, 2008

Here is what happened on the field across the rest of the International League last night...

It's now ten wins in a row for the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees as Cody Ransom drove in a pair of runs with a two-run homer in the seventh to lift the Yankees past the Richmond Braves 4-3. BOX

The Indianapolis Indians scored three runs in the first inning and held on to a 5-2 win over the Charlotte Knights. BOX

J.A. Happ struck out eight in earning his seventh win of the season as the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs nipped the Durham Bulls 4-3.

The Buffalo Bisons scored all their runs in the bottom of the sixth and John Halama through a complete game as the Buffalo beat the Norfolk Tides 4-2. BOX

Alvin Colina broke up a tie with a two run single in the seventh to lead the Louisville Bats past the Syracuse Chiefs 7-5. BOX

The Rochester Red Wings found their offense, and Francisco Liriano won his ninth game of the season while striking out ten as Rochester dominated Toledo 13-0. BOX

PawSox Lose Fourth Straight 4-1

The PawSox are officially in a slump.

It's taken over 100 games, but Pawtucket has now lost four in a row for the first time this season, dropping a 4-1 decision last night to the Columbus Clippers. The PawSox loss, combined with another Scranton/Wilkes Barre win, means Pawtucket is holding a slim 1/2 game lead over the Yankees in the IL North Division.

The PawSox offense once again could not solve the Clippers pitching staff. Pawtucket produced only six hits, and scored their lone run in the top of the sixth on an RBI single to right by Chris Carter. Carter ended up being thrown out at second on the play trying to stretch the play into a double.

Jeff Bailey and Joe Thurston produced consecutive singles to lead off the first, but Jonathan Van Every, Carter, and Dusty Brown were all called out on strikes, ending the threat. That PawSox were also able to get two runners on with one out in the fourth but could not score.

Pawtucket was held at bay by the impressive starting pitching of Sharon Martis (1-2). Through 5 2/3 innings of work Martis have up only five hits, but struck out 12 while walking only two.

The PawSox staff again held its own. Edgar Martinez (4-2) suffered his first loss since May 30th but pitched well. He worked five innings, giving up all four Columbus runs on four hits. He walked four and struck out six. Martinez did surrender a two run homer to 3B Yurendell de Caster in the second inning.

Lincoln Holdzkom and Jose Vaquedano pitched a combined three innings of scoreless relief.

The PawSox look to end the skid tonight (7:05pm) as they play game three with the Clippers at Cooper Stadium. RHP Devern Hansack (5-9, 4.22) takes the mound for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by RHP Tyler Clippard (6-7, 4.30) for the Clippers.

BOX SCORE

Game 104- PawSox vs. Clippers, July 22, 2008

The PawSox look to avoid losing their fourth straight tonight (7:05pm) when they play game two of four in Columbus against the Clippers. RHP Edgar Martinez (4-1, 3.96) throws for Pawtucket against RHP Sharon Martis (0-2, 3.60) for the Clippers.

No time for a long preview, so let's just look at tonight's pitchers...

Pawtucket Red Sox (63-40)

Martinez makes his ninth start of 2008. He won his last outing last Thursday at home against Toledo. In that game he threw 6 1/3 innings giving up three runs on four hits. Over his last four games Martinez is 2-0 with a 4.06 ERA. Martinez only loss came back on May 30th.

Columbus Clippers (55-46)

Martis toes the mound for his sixth start of the year. He lost his last outing last Thursday in Indianapolis. In that game he threw 6 1/3 innings giving up two runs on seven hits. Martis spent most of his season in Double A Harrisburg where he complied a 4-4 record with a 3.98 ERA.

Game Wraps- July 21, 2008

Here's how the rest of the International League played out last night...

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees have now won nine straight games as Ben Broussard belted two homers and drove in three to pace the Yankees to a 6-4 win over the Richmond Braves. BOX

Catcher Cole Armstrong belted a two run homer in the top of the tenth as the Charlotte Knights beat the Indianapolis Indians 6-3. BOX

Kris Benson picked up his first win of the season to lead the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs to a 4-2 win over the Durham Bulls. BOX

The Norfolk Tides pushed across four runs in the top of the 14th inning to defeat the Buffalo Bisons 8-4. BOX

The top of the Syracuse line-up drove in six runs in the Chiefs' 8-3 victory over the Louisville Bats. BOX

IL Batter of the Week Brent Clevlen continues on a tear, belting two more homers in the Toledo Mud Hens' 6-4 win over the Rochester Red Wings. BOX

PawSox, Bowden Fall to Clippers 4-1

It's been rare to see the PawSox offense struggle. But that's what happened last night as three Columbus pitchers combined to limit Pawtucket to only five hits in the Clippers' 4-1 win at Cooper Stadium.

The PawSox scored an unearned run in the third, thanks to the hustle of outfielder Sean Danielson. With one out Danielson singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Columbus catcher Luke Montz. He scored two batters alter on a Joe Thurston sacrifice fly.

Danielson and Chris Carter had two hits each for the PawSox.

Last night was the Triple A debut for Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden (0-1). He struggled right out of the gate, giving up three runs over his first two innings of work. Bowden finished working four innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. He struck out four and walked no one. He threw 84 pitches, 57 for strikes.

Michael Tejera and Eric Hull pitched a combined four innings of relief, with Hull surrendering a run to the Clippers in the bottom of the seventh.

The Clippers received a stellar pitching performance out of starter Garrett Mock (6-3). In picking up the win Mock went seven innings, giving up an unearned run on five hits. He walked one and struck out six.

Relievers Ryan Wagner and Chris Schroder pitched the final two innings without yielding a Pawtucket hit.

Columbus lead-off man Jorge Padilla collected three hits to pace the Clippers offense. Roger Bernadina and Leonard Davis added two hits apiece.

With the loss, and another Scranton/Wilkes Barre win, the PawSox are only 1 1/2 games up on the Yankees in the IL North Division.

Game two of the four game series is tonight (7:05pm). RHP Edgar Martinez (4-1, 3.96) will start for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by RHP Sharon Martis (0-2, 3.60) for the Clippers.

BOX SCORE

Game 103- PawSox vs. Clippers, July 21, 2008

The PawSox are back on the road tonight (7:05 pm), beginning an 8-game Ohio trip with the first of four with the Columbus Clippers. RHP Michael Bowden (NR) throws for the PawSox against RHP Garrett Mock (5-3, 3.28) for the Clippers.

Here is a brief look at the game...

Pawtuckwet Red Sox (63-39)

The PawSox enter the game losers of two straight. But they have won their last two road games. Pawtucket still sits atop the IL North Division, 2 1/2 games ahead of Scranton Wilkes/Barre. The PawSox won three of four over the Clippers in their only series played last month at McCoy.

Bowden makes his PawSox and Triple-A debut tonight. The Red Sox pitching prospect was promoted from Portland at the All-Star Break. Over his 19 starts with the Sea Dogs, Bowden compiled a 9-4 record with a 2.33 ERA. Bowden had been on the minor league disabled list with a strained calf.

Columbus Clippers (54-46)

Columbus sits in third place in the IL West Division, 4 games behind Louisville. They have lost seven of their last ten games heading into action tonight.

Mock makes his 17th start of the season. He last pitched on July 11th in a loss to Scranton. He threw six innings giving up three runs on five hits.

Game Wraps- July 20, 2008

Here is a look at all the action from around the International League yesterday...

The Richmond Braves and the Buffalo Bisons split their double header yesterday, with Buffalo taking game one 2-1 and the Braves game two 1-0. GAME ONE BOX GAME TWO BOX

The Indianapolis Indians scored five in the eighth and two more in the ninth and pounded out 18 hits in their 11-2 win over the Columbus Clippers. BOX

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees have now won 8 in a row, and trail the PawSox by only 2 1/2 games in the IL North after their 7-2 win over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. BOX

Chris Richard had a homer and drove in three runs as the Durham Bulls shut out the Syracuse Chiefs, 4-0. BOX

The Rochester Red Wings tallied two runs in the bottom of the ninth to over take the Norfolk Tides 7-6. BOX

Adam Rosales went 2 for 3 with 3 RBI's in Louisville's 9-4 win over Charlotte. BOX

Hens Earn Split 8-4

For the second straight game the Toledo Mud Hens were able to score multiple runs against a PawSox ace starter, this time roughing up David Pauley in their 8-4 win yesterday afternoon at McCoy. The win earns Toledo a split of their four game series.

Pauley (11-4) worked only 3 1/3 innings, surrendering five runs on eight hits. He walked three and struck out four. His performance comes on the heels of the Mud Hens 9-run outburst against knuckleballer Charlie Zink Saturday night.

Jon Switzer gave up a pair of runs in his 2 2/3 inning outing. Hunter Jones pitched two inning of scoreless, hitless relief. Chris Smith yielded a solo homer to Brent Clevlen in the ninth.

The PawSox were limited to six hits in the game. Joe Thurston led the team with two.

Pawtucket scored three runs in the third off Mud Hens starter Yorman Bazardo on a Gil Velazquez solo homer (#4), a Thurston RBI triple, and a Sandy Madera double. Thurston drove in the fourth PawSox run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly to right.

Clevlen went 3 for 4 with a pair of RBI's to pace the Hens. Timo Perez collected two hits and drove in three runs. Erik Almonte also picked up two hits on the day.

Bazardo (4-5) threw 6 2/3 innings to secure the win. Ian Ostlund and Francis Beltran worked the remainder of the game without giving up a run.

The PawSox head back to the road on another 8-game road trip, this time through Ohio, beginning with the first of four tonight in Columbus against the Clippers. RHP Michael Bowden (NR) makes his Triple-A debut for Pawtucket against RHP Garrett Mock (5-3, 3.28) for the Clippers.

NOTES: PawSox owner Ben Mondor, former Manager Joe Morgan, and former outfielder Jim Rice were on hand yesterday to formally be inducted into the International League Hall of Fame.

BOX SCORE