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.

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