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 20th.
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 23rd 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
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment