The Buffalo Bisons swept the Pawtucket Red Sox in their two-game series at McCoy, taking last night's contest as DH Michael Aubrey drove in the game winning run in the top of the 10th to give the Bisons a 11-10 victory.
Both teams collected 18 hits. LF Trevor Crowe and 1B Jordan Brown had three hits each for Buffalo. Dusty Brown and Gil Velazquez had three apiece for Pawtucket. Each member of both starting line-ups had at least one hit.
Brown, 3B Morgan Ensberg, and SS Andy Cannizaro each belted a home run for the Bisons. Brown and Ensberg also drove in three runs each.
Although the PawSox did not hit a homer in the game, Brown drove in three runs with Josh Wilson and Keith Ginter driving in two runs each.
Neither starting pitcher figured in the decision. PawSox hurler Davern Hansack, fresh off the disabled list, worked only two innings, giving up two runs on four hits. Buffalo starter Aaron Laffey worked five innings, yielding seven runs on 11 hits. Preston Larrison (3-4) took the win in relief for Buffalo. Chris Smith (1-5) took the loss for Pawtucket.
With the loss the PawSox are officially eliminated from contention for the IL North Division title. They begin their last two-game series of the season beginning tonight (6:05 pm) against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs at McCoy. RHP Drew Carpenter (NR) will pitch for the Iron Pigs. He'll be opposed by RHP Edgar Martinez (7-3, 4.28) for the PawSox.
NOTES: The Red Sox yesterday designated RHP Eric Hull for assignment. Hull threw in 40 games for the PawSox, garnering a 2-3 record with a 4.12 ERA.
IF/OF Joe Thurston was officially added back to the PawSox roster after being optioned back to the club by the Red Sox last week. In his return to the line-up Thurston went 2 for 5 with a strikeout.
BOX SCORE
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Bisons Edge PawSox in Slugfest 11-10
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Bisons Shutout PawSox, 3-0
The Pawtucket Red Sox were limited to three hits as they fell to the Buffalo Bisons, 2-0 last night at McCoy.
Six Bisons pitchers held the PawSox in check, collecting a total of 11 strikeouts and walking no one along the way. Scott Lewis (2-2) got the start for Buffalo and picked up the win, working six innings and giving up two hits. Jeff Stevens, Rich Rundles, and Edward Buzachero closed out the Pawsox by each pitching a scoreless inning. The PawSox' hits were all singles, and came from Chris Carter, George Kottaras, and Gil Velazquez.
Pawtucket wasted a solid pitching performance from starter Charlie Zink (14-6). Zink pitched eight innings, giving up both Buffalo runs (only one earned) on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three. One of the runs came courtesy of a solo home run from Todd Linden in the top of the sixth.
The Bisons now hold a 9-6 record over the PawSox, only the second team in the league that will end the season with a winning edge over Pawtucket (Louisville is the other). The teams will wrap-up their two game series tonight (6:05 pm) at McCoy. Aaron Laffey (6-2, 3.65) will star for Buffalo. Eric Hull (2-3, 4.12) will make another spot start for Pawtucket.
NOTES: The Red Sox yesterday called up catcher David Ross and pitcher Michael Bowden from the PawSox. The Ross move was expected as the Sox were looking to have another catcher available for the postseason and needed to add Ross before August 31st. Bowden is expected to make a start tonight against the Chicago White Sox.
On a personal note, my work and family schedule is keeping me away from McCoy (and maybe the computer) this final homestand of the season. I will do my best to check in with news and notes when I can. Thanks for understanding.
BOX SCORE
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Hansack, Offense Tame Herd
Davern Hansack put together a solid pitching performance and the offense banged out 14 hits as the PawSox beat the Buffalo Bisons, 8-3 this afternoon at Dunn Tire Park. The win earned Pawtucket a split of their two game series with the Bisons as well as a split on their four game road trip.
Hansack (6-10) worked 6 1/3 innings before being removed from the game after being struck by a batted ball. He gave up two runs (courtesy of a two-run home run by C Yamid Haad) on three hits. He walked three and struck out three. There was no word as to the severity of Hansack's injury when he left the game.
Beau Vaughan worked one inning, giving up a solo homer to Brad Snyder. Jon Switzer worked a perfect 1 2/3 innings to close out the game.
After being shut out yesterday, the PawSox bats regained their form today. All but one player in the Pawtucket line-up had at least one hit. George Kottaras broke out of his slump by collecting a team-high three hits. Joe Thurston, Dusty Brown, Josh Wilson, and Sean Danielson had two hits each. Brown drove in two runs with his 12th homer of the season in the seventh. Danielson had a double and a triple and also drove in two runs.
The PawSox got the best of Buffalo starter Bryan Billington (4-8). Billington gave up six runs (5 earned) on 10 hits. He walked 3 and struck out 6 in taking the loss. Brian Slocum pitched two innings, gave up Brown's homer, but was able to retire five PawSox via a strikeout.
With the win the PawSox have reduced their magic number in securing a playoff spot to 5 games.
The PawSox have a rare day off tomorrow before returning home to McCoy Tuesday for a brief, three game homestand against the Syracuse Chiefs. Brian Wolfe (2-2) will pitch for Syracuse. He'll be opposed by Charlie Zink (13-4) for Pawtucket.
BOX SCORE
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.
BOX SCORE
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Bisons Get To Buchholz, PawSox Pitching Staff, 10-3
The Buffalo Bisons pounded out 16 hits, and PawSox starter Clay Buchholz suffered his first lost of the season, in the Buffalo's 10-3 win last night at McCoy. With the win the Bisons took two out of three in the series. It's the first series lost for Pawtucket since the end of April, also at the hands of the Bisons.
Buchholz (0-1) got himself into a jam in the third inning, giving up two runs. Jorge Velandia led off with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball by PawSox catcher Dusty Brown. A Jordan Brown walk, sandwiched around two outs signaled that Buchholz may survive the inning. But back-to-back singles by Aaron Herr and Brad Snyder plated the first two Buffalo runs.
Buchholz' night ended after three innings. His 73 pitch effort included giving up two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three.
The PawSox bullpen did not fare any better against the Buffalo attack. Jose Vaquedano gave up three runs in two innings of work, while Jon Switzer allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings on the mound. The Bisons hit three homers off the pair, a two-run shot by Brown off Vaquedano in the fourth, a Todd Linden three-run homer in the sixth, and Herr's two-run bomb in the ninth, both off Switzer.
The Bisons received a steady pitching performance from starter Jeff Harris (3-3). He pitched five innings in earning the win, giving up three runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked two.
All three PawSox runs came on a Chris Carter three-run homer to right off Harris in the sixth. It was Carter's third homer in as many games and his 13th of the season. He finished the game going 2 for 4.
The only other bright spot offensively for the PawSox was that Jed Lowrie was able to extend his hitting streak to 11 games by belting a single in the sixth.
Herr and C Wyatt Toregas each had three hits for the Bisons. Velandia, Brown, and Linden chipped in with two hits apiece.
With the victory Buffalo leads the season series over Pawtucket 7-5.
The PawSox will welcome the Louisville Bats for their only McCoy appearance, a four game set which begins tonight (7:05 pm). LHP Adam Pettyjohn (7-1, 4.44) goes for the Bats against RHP David Pauley (8-2, 3.86) for Pawtucket.
BOX SCORE
Monday, June 9, 2008
Game 66- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 9, 2008
The PawSox look to take the rubber game of their three game series with the Buffalo Bisons as the two clubs play the finale tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. RHP Jeff Harris (2-3, 5.40) will pitch for Buffalo, opposed by RHP Clay Buchholz (0-0, 2.77) for Pawtucket. It's also Legends Night at the stadium as Red Sox greats Tommy Harper and Lou Merloni will be on hand for autographs and photos.
After two straight games in the press box, I need to attend to more pressing issues for the next few days. Here is a brief preview of the match-up nonetheless...
Buffalo Bisons (29-35)
With yesterday afternoon's win the Bisons have the edge in the season series with the PawSox at 6-5. They still remain in fourth place in the IL North, 10 games behind first place Scranton.
Harris will make his 7th start of the season after making 6 appearances out of the pen. He has lost two of his last three outings, yielding a total of 15 earned runs on 23 hits over 17 innings pitched.
Pawtucket Red Sox (38-27)
Entering tonight's contest the PawSox are tied for second in the IL North, 1 1/2 games behind Scranton and tied with Syracuse. The Yankees and Chiefs will finish their suspended game from yesterday and wrap up their series tonight in Moosic, PA.
The PawSox have not lost a series since dropping two games in Buffalo April 26th & 27th. They have won or split the last 10 series they have played.
Buchholz will make his fourth appearance out of the PawSox rotation tonight. Since beginning a rehab assignement on May 25th, Buchholz has been consistent despite not earning decision. In his last outing he pitched five scoreless innings, giving up only three hits in PawSox 4-2 loss at Charlotte.
Jed Lowrie comes in earning a hit in ten straight games. Chris Carter has hit a homer in the first two games of the series against the Bisons.
For those of you going to the game...stay cool...and enjoy!
Bisons Talk
Want to find out more about the Buffalo Bisons? Here is my talk with Ben Wagner, the radio voice of the club...
Sunday, June 8, 2008
Bisons Single-Handedly Top PawSox, 9-5
PAWTUCKET-The Buffalo Bisons played small ball in earning a 9-5 victory over the Pawtucket Red Sox this afternoon at McCoy. The win snapped the Bisons three-game losing streak and ended the PawSox three-game winning streak
Buffalo did all their damage without benefit of an extra base hit. All 14 Bisons’ hits were singles.
The PawSox also committed three errors, resulting in three unearned Buffalo runs.
“Our defense got us today”, said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “We made some mistakes in the field and they took advantage of just about every one”
PawSox starter Davern Hansack (2-8) took the loss, his fourth consecutive negative decision. He lasted five innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits. He walked two and did not strike out a batter.
“It’s just one of those things where he’s battling through it” said Johnson. “The ball’s not bouncing the right way for him.”
Former Red Sox pitcher John Halama (1-0) was solid in his debut with the Bisons. Signed by the Indians earlier last week, Halama earned the win going six complete innings. He gave up three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four.
All five PawSox runs came courtesy of the home run…a two run shot by Carter (his 12th) in the first, a solo homer by Jeff Bailey (#18) in the fifth, and a Jed Lowrie (#2) two-run blast in the eighth.
Down 2-0, the Bisons scored three runs off Hansack in the top of the fourth. With one out Todd Linden walked and made it to second on a single by Jordan Brown. Linden advanced to third on a fielder’s choice by Jason Tyner, erasing Brown at second. Brad Snyder then drove in Linden with single to right. After Snyder stole second and Wyatt Toregas walked to load the bases, Chris De La Cruz drove in a pair with a singe to center.
The Bisons scored an unearned run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Jordan Brown.
Hunter Jones relieved Hansack in the sixth and the Bisons responded with three runs on five singles. Josh Barfield, Jorge Velandia and Linden drove in the runs.
Down 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth, the PawSox made a run at tying the game. Jed Lowrie belted a two-run homer and Chris Carter and Bobby Kielty reached with no one out. But Bisons’ reliever Jeff Stevens shut the door, striking out George Kottaras and forcing Keith Ginter to ground into a 6-4-3- double play.
The Bisons added two unearned runs in the top of the ninth off Lincoln Holdzkom on a two run single by Toregas
Stevens pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save of the season.
Lowrie extended his hitting streak to ten games with the homer. Joe Thurston (2 for 4) and Carter (2 for 4) were the only PawSox batters with more than one hit.
Velandia, Linden, Brown, Tyner, Toregas, and De La Cruz had two hits apiece for the Bisons.
The PawSox and Bisons play the finale of the three game series tomorrow night (7:05 pm). RHP Jeff Harris (2-3, 5.40 ERA) goes for the Bisons against RHP Clay Buchholz (0-0, 2.77 ERA) for the PawSox. It will be Legends Night at McCoy as Sox legends Tommy Harper and Lou Merloni will be available between 7:00pm and 8:30pm for autographs and photos.
BOX SCORE
Bisons Defeat PawSox, 9-5
The Buffalo Bisons took game two of the three game set with the PawSox, 9-5 this afternoon at McCoy.
Complete game report soon...
Bisons Extend Their Lead Over the PawSox, 7-3 after Six
The Buffalo Bisons have upped their lead over the PawSox to 7-3 after six innings.
The Bisons scored their fourth run, an unearned tally off PawSox starter Davern Hansack in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Jordan Brown.
The PawSox’ third run came in the fifth on a solo homer to right by Jeff Bailey, his 18th of the season.
Hunter Jones relieved Hansack in the sixth and the Bisons responded with three runs on five singles. Josh Barfield, Jorge Velandia and Todd Linden drove in the runs.
Bisons Over Take PawSox, 3-2 Through Four
The Buffalo Bisons have come back to take a 3-2 lead over the PawSox after four innings.
The Bisons scored their three runs off PawSox starter Davern Hansack in the top of the fourth. With one out Todd Linden walked and advanced to second on a single by Jordan Brown. Linden advanced to third on a fielder’s choice by Jason Tyner, erasing Brown at second. Brad Snyder then drove in Linden with single to right. After Snyder stole second and Wyatt Toregas walked to load the bases, Chris De La Cruz drove in a pair with a singe to center.
Hansack has given up four hits with two walks and no strikeouts. He has thrown 78 pitches, 51 for strikes.
Since giving up two runs in the first, former Red Sox pitcher John Halama has settled down, giving up only one more hit over the last three innings.
Carter Leads PawSox to 2-0 Lead after Two
The PawSox have again gotten off to a fast start against the Buffalo Bisons, leading 2-0 after two innings at McCoy.
The PawSox' runs came off the bat of Chris Carter, who launched a deep two-run homer to right in the bottom of the first. It was Carter's 12th homer of the season and his second in two days.
The PawSox had the bases loaded with two out in the second, but could not score.
Davern Hansack has pitched well through two innings, giving up only one hit.
One side note...the PawSox are wearing their alternate red jerseys for this afternoon's contest.
Game 65- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 8, 2008
The PawSox ride a three game winning streak heading into today's (1:05 pm) matinee with the Buffalo Bisons at McCoy. LHP John Halama (NR) goes for Buffalo against RHP Devern Hansack (2-7, 6.19) for the PawSox.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
PawSox Handle Bisons, 9-1
PAWTUCKET- The Pawtucket Red Sox arrived back home from an 8-game road trip later than expected and a bit weary. But you couldn’t tell by their play on the field as they beat the Buffalo Bisons, 9-1, tonight at a balmy McCoy Stadium.
“It was a tough day today”, said PawSox skipper Ron Johnson about the team’s road back home, “I know it’s part of the business. But I could not have been prouder of our performance.”
The PawSox received another strong outing from starter Charlie Zink (7-2). His only blemish came in the seventh inning when he surrendered a single to Todd Linden, a double to Jordan Brown and an RBI ground out to Aaron Herr.
“It was a struggle” said Zink, referring to the long day of travel and the humid weather, “I don’t know how we did it tonight. I tried to pound the zone and let everyone else do all the work.”
“He got us off the field,” said Johnson, “When we scored we got what we wanted to see, (Zink) putting up a zero.”
Earning the win Zink pitched eight innings, giving up only four hits, walking one and striking out two. He threw 108 pitches, 65 for strikes. Michael Tejera relieved Zink and pitched a scoreless ninth.
“The development of Charlie Zink over the years is where it should be”, said Johnson, “He’s gone through the peaks and valleys. The maturity level of his pitching is really good.”
Three Buffalo errors aided the PawSox on their way to scoring three times in the bottom of the third of former PawSox pitcher Matt Ginter. With one out, Gil Velazquez reached on a bunt single and advanced to second when second baseman Josh Barfield threw wild to first. Jonathan Van Every drove in Velazquez with a single, and wound up on third after an errant throw to the plate by Todd Linden. Jeff Bailey then hit a grounder to third that was thrown away by Aaron Herr, plating Van Every. After a Joe Thurston single moved Bailey to third, Jed Lowrie drove in Bailey on a deep sacrifice fly to left.
The PawSox scored a single run in the bottom of the fourth on a RBI double by Sean Danielson and added two more in the fifth on a double by Jed Lowrie and a long homer run to right by Chris Carter, his 11th of the season.
Pawtucket added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Joe Thurston and added their final two in the eighth on a two run home run by Van Every to deep left center.
With the double, Lowrie extended his hitting streak to nine games.
Thurston led all PawSox hitters with three hits (3 for 5). Danielson (2 for 4), Velazquez (2 for 4), and Van Every (2 for 3) had two hits apiece. Van Every also drove in three runs.
Ginter took the loss to drop to 3-6 for the season. Brown had two hits (2 for 4) to pace the Bisons’ attack.
Game two of the series is tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 PM. Former Red Sox pitcher John Halama will make his debut for Buffalo, opposed by Davern Hansack (2-7, 6.19 ERA) for Pawtucket.
NOTES- With the win the PawSox are now 22-9 at home, the best record in the International League and the best home record after 31 games in franchise history.
BOX SCORE
PawSox Beat Bisons, 9-1
The PawSox had little trouble handling the Buffalo Bisons, winning 9-1 tonight before 9,121 fans at McCoy.
Charlie Zink (7-2) got the win for Pawtucket. Former PawSox pitcher Matt Ginter (3-6) took the loss.
Complete game report forthcoming.
PawSox Extend Their Lead to 7-0 Over Buffalo After Six
The PawSox have upped their lead over the Buffalo Bisons, to 7-0, after six full innings.
Pawtucket added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth on a Jed Lowrie double and a two-run homer by Chris Carter.
The seventh run came in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Joe Thurston.
With the double Lowrie has now hit in nine straight games.
PawSox starter Charlie Zink has breezed, allowing only rwo hits through six innings. He has retired the last seven Buffalo batters.
PawSox Lead Bisons 4-0 After Four Innings
The Pawtucket Red Sox lead the Buffalo Bisons, 4-0 after four innings tonight at McCoy.
The PawSox scored three runs in the third inning with the help of three Buffalo errors. With one out, Gil Velazquez reached on a bunt single and advanced to second when second baseman Josh Barfield threw wild to first. Jonathan Van Every drove in Velazquez with a single, and wound up on third after an errant throw to the plate by right fielder Todd Linden. Van Every scored on an error by third baseman Aaron Herr on a ball hit by Jeff Bailey. After a Joe Thurston single moved Bailey to third, Jed Lowrie drove in the third Pawtucket run on a deep sacrifice fly to left.
The PawSox added their fourth run in the bottom of the fourth on a Chad Spann walk and a double to left by Sean Danielson.
Charlie Zink has been solid on the mound for the PawSox. Through four innings he has given up two hits, walking one and striking out one. He has thrown 55 pitches, 33 for strikes.
PawSox/Bisons Scoreless After Two
Both the PawSox and the Buffalo Bisons are feeling each other out as they are scoreless after two innings tonight at McCoy.
The Bisons have one hit. The PawSox are still looking for their first.
Game 64- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 7, 2008
The PawSox are back home tonight at McCoy to begin a three game series witn IL North Division foe the Buffalo Bisons. RHP Matt Ginter (3-5, 4.58) goes for the Bisons against RHP Charlie Zink (6-2, 2.60) for the PawSox.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Bisons Rebound, Edge PawSox 4-2
The Pawtucket Red Sox could not duplicate the success of Wednesday's double header sweep, falling to the Buffalo Bisons last night 4-2, in the finale of a four game set at Dunn Tire Park.
For the third straight game the PawSox received solid starting pitching, this time from knucleballer Charlie Zink. He threw 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits. He left the game with the score tied at 2-2.
Newcomer Hunter Jones (0-1) made his PawSox debut and yielded the go ahead run in the bottom of the seventh. With one out the Bisons collected three consecutive hits; a single by Andy Gonzalez, a double by Brad Snyder, and a single by Bronson Sardinha, driving in Gonzalez.
Jon Switzer gave up a solo homer to Danny Sandoval in the eighth to cap the Buffalo scoring.
As shaky as the PawSox pen looked, the Buffalo relief corps was strong. Following a consistent effort from starter Matt Ginter, Rich Rundles (5-1) and Rick Bauer pitched scoreless ball to close out the game. Rundles got the win. Bauer notched his tenth save.
Offensively the PawSox scattered seven hits. They scored their runs in the top of the second on an RBI triple by Sean Danielson followed by a run producing single by Chad Spann.
Sandoval drove in two runs to lead the Bisons at the plate.
The PawSox head to Pennsylvania today to begin a four game series tonight (7:00pm) with the first place Scranton Wilkes/Barre Yankees.
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