Tides Edge PawSox in 11, 3-2

The Pawtucket Red Sox could not close the deal against the Norfolk Tides last night, as reliever Chris Smith gave up two Tides runs in the ninth and the winning run in the 11th in Norfolk's 3-2 victory at Harbor Park.

Smith (1-3), who has been effective most of the season in the closer's role, could not preserve the PawSox' 2-0 lead entering the ninth last night. The Tides tied the game on three consecutive hits. Mike McCoy led off with a single past short and scored on Oscar Salazar's double to right. Mike Costanzo followed with a single to left, knocking in Salazar with the tying run.

The Tides got the winning run off Smith n the 11th on a soft single to short, a bunt single, a walk, then a one out fielder's choice when the PawSox could not turn an inning-ending double play.

The game was a pitcher's duel early on as Pawtucket's Edgar Martinez and the Tides' Andy Mitchell held batters at bay.

The PawSox were finally able to get on the board off Mitchell with solo runs in the seventh and the eighth, both on sacrifice flies by George Kottaras and Chris Carter.

Martinez threw five scoreless innings, giving up two hits and two walks. Justin Masterson made his debut out of the PawSox bullpen, pitching a scoreless sixth inning. Hunter Jones came n to throw two scoreless innings of relief.

Mitchell went eight innings, giving up only one earned run on five hits. Ryan Bukvitch (6-2) pitched a the 11th to earn the win.

Carter went 2 for 4 with a double for the PawSox. McCoy (2 for 4) and Tike Redman (2 for 5) lead the offense for the Tides.

The two teams continue their four-game series tonight. Davern Hansack (4-8) toes the mound for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Chris Waters (2-5) for the Tides.

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