PawSox Win in Wild Fashion

PAWTUCKET- The PawSox scored on a bases loaded wild pitch in the bottom of the ninth to take a 6-5 win over the Charlotte Knights tonight at McCoy. The win, combined with Scranton/Wilkes Barre’s loss to Syracuse, puts Pawtucket within a ½ game of first place in the IL North Division.

“I’m proud (of the team) because it’s a mind set” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson of the come-from-behind victory, “They feel like they’re gonna win.”

Joe Thurston led the bottom of the ninth against Knights’ reliever Jason Childress by lining a triple to right center field. Childress then intentionally walked Keith Ginter and George Kottaras to load the bases. Josh Wilson grounded to third baseman Chris Getz who forced Thurston at the plate. With Jeff Corsaletti at bat, Childress then threw a 1-2 in the dirt and to the backstop scoring Ginter with the winning run.

Kottaras had a big night, going 4 for 4 with a homer and 4 RBI’s to lead the Pawtucket attack.

The PawSox took the lead in the bottom of the seventh, thanks in part to some wild pitching by RHP Derek Rodriguez, who came on in relief of Charlotte starter Clayton Richard. Jeff Natale led-off with walk. After Gil Velazquez flew out to right, Rodriguez walked Sean Danielson and gave up a single to Jeff Bailey to load the bases. He then walked Thurston to force in the tying run. Kottaras followed with a two-run single to center to give Pawtucket the lead.

Charlotte tied the game in the top of the eighth off PawSox reliever Eric Hull on a two run home run to right centerfield by Knights’ catcher Cole Armstrong.

Newly promoted PawSox reliever Beau Vaughan pitched a scoreless ninth to notch his first Triple A victory.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink pitched well, giving up all three of his runs in the third. With one out CF Jerry Owens walked and then advanced to third on a wild pitch. He scored on 2B Jason Bourgeois ground out to short. After 3B Chris Getz singled, 1B Brad Eldred belted a two-run homer into the left field berm. It was Eldred’s 31^st homer of the season.

Zink went seven complete, giving up six hits, walking two and striking out four.

“He showed maturity and professionalism” said Johnson of Zink’s performance,

Richard pitched well for the Knights. In his six innings of work, the PawSox scored two runs, both coming in the bottom of the third. With two outs Ginter laced a single to left and scored on Kottaras’ two-run homer into the right field bullpen, his 21^st of 2008.

Richard finished the night giving up seven hits, striking out four and walking no one.

The PawSox were without the services of Chris Carter and Jonathan Van Every who are sidelined with oblique injuries. Johnson said that the plan is to keep both players out of the line-up for the next few days. Both are considered day-to-day.

Game two of the series will be played tomorrow afternoon as the two teams head to Fenway Park as part of the Futures of Fenway double header. RHP Charlie Haeger (9-10, 4.62 ERA) throws for Charlotte. RHP David Pauley (12-4, 3.36 ERA) will pitch for Pawtucket .

NOTES: A familiar face to PawSox fans has surfaced in the Knights’ dugout. Former PawSox infielder Joe McEwing serves as the Knights’ hitting coach. McEwing played for the PawSox last season, appearing in 122 games batting .268 with 8 homers and 49 RBI’s.