Bisons Edge PawSox 1-0

The PawSox offense could not support the superb pitching effort by starter Michael Bowden, amassing only three hits and losing to the Buffalo Bisons, 1-0 last night at Dunn Tire Park.

The PawSox were stymied at the plate Buffalo veteran left hander John Halama (8-4), who pitched seven scoreless innings, giving up two hits. He walked one and struck out one.

Tom Mastny, Rick Rundles, and Edward Buzachero split the remaining two innings, giving up only one hit.

Bowden (0-3) again pitched well but came out on the short end of the decision. He pitched six innings, surrendering three hits. He walked one and struck out three. Buffalo's lone run came in the bottom of the first on an RBI double to left by Todd Linden that was misplayed by Gil Velazquez. Because of a rash of Pawtucket injuries and Jeff Bailey's call-up to Boston, the versatile Velazquez was forced to play the outfield.

Kyle Snyder came on in relief of Bowden, pitching two scoreless innings. It was Snyder's first appearance for the PawSox since coming off the disabled list earlier this week.

Joe Thurston collected two of the PawSox three hits. Jeff Natale had the other.

Pawtucket fell 2 1/2 games behind the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees in the IL's North Division as a result of last night's loss. Their magic number to secure a playoff berth dropped to six with Toledo's loss last night.

The PawSox and Bisons wrap up their two game series this afternoon (1:05 pm). Davern Hansack (5-10) pitches for Pawtucket, opposed by Bryan Billington (4-7) for the Bisons.

NOTES: There were a couple of roster moves for the PawSox the last few days. The Red Sox claimed RHP Marcus McBeth off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds and optioned him to Pawtucket. McBeth pitched 26 games for the Louisville Bats, going 1-1 with a 6.20 ERA.

The Red Sox also promoted IF Tony Granadillo from Portland. He was batting .226 with five homers and 41 RBI's for the Sea Dogs. Granadillo did pinch hit for DH Sandy Madera last night, going 0 for 2.

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