PawSox, Colon Dominate Chiefs

PAWTUCKET- Solid pitching. Timely hitting. Those phrases may be over used but that’s exactly how the PawSox earned their 8-3 win tonight over the Syracuse Chiefs.

With the win, combined with Toledo’s loss, the PawSox are now one game away from clinching a playoff berth. Pawtucket still trails Scranton/Wilkes Barre by 1 1/2 games in the IL North Division

Bartolo Colon, making his fourth start on this current rehab stint with the PawSox, threw four innings of hitless ball. He walked two and struck out two. He again was on a pitch limit, throwing only 40 pitches, 23 for strikes. His fastball consistently was clocked at between 88 and 90 miles per hour. This is the fifth start this season for Pawtucket that Colon did not allow a run.

“I liked his command and movement” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “He just looked crisp to me”.

“He had good life on his fastball” said PawSox catcher George Kottaras, “He was up on the mound ready to pitch. He went after the hitters.”

Johnson said Colon is scheduled to make another start next Tuesday in Lehigh Valley where his pitch count in expected to increase.

Colon was followed on the mound by Jose Vaquedano (3-1) who pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball to earn the win. Jon Switzer pitched 1 2/3 innings giving up only one hit. Eric Hull finished closed out the game in the ninth, yielding all three Syracuse runs.

Pawtucket scored three runs off Syracuse starter Ricky Romero (1-3) in the first. With one out Joe Thurston reached on an infield singe and Jason Lane followed with a double to right. After George Kottaras struck out, Dusty Brown walked to load the bases. Sandy Madera then blooped a double down the right field line scoring two. Keith Ginter followed with a single to left, plating Brown. On the play Madera was thrown out at the plate to end the inning.

Madera drove in another run in the third with an RBI single to right to plate Kottaras, who reached on a double. Jeff Corsaletti drove in the PawSox' fifth run with an RBI single in the sixth.

Pawtucket added three more in the seventh. Lane got his first home run in a Pawtucket uniform driving a two-run blast into the berm in left. The PawSox then loaded the bases and scored their eighth run on a wild pitch by Syracuse reliever Jordan De Jong.

Every member of the PawSox line-up had at least one hit. Thurston, Lane, Kottaras, Madera, Brown, and Ginter had two hits each. Buck Coats and Travis Snyder had two hits for the Chiefs. Snyder knocked in both Syracuse runs.

The PawSox embark on their last road trip of the season beginning tomorrow night (7:05pm) with the first of two games in Rochester against the Red Wings. Edgar Martinez (7-2, 3.79 ERA) throws for Pawtucket. Phillip Humber (8-8, 4.94 ERA) goes for the Red Wings.

NOTES: Reliever Chris Smith was promoted to Boston to fill the roster spot left by the demotion yesterday of Clay Buchholz to Portland. Smith is 1-0 with a 2.16 ERA in 5 games this season with the Red Sox.

Johnson expects newly signed catcher David Ross will join the team tomorrow night in Rochester. Ross played 52 games with the Reds this season, batting .231 with three homers and 13 RBI’s.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Handle Chiefs 8-3

The PawSox were in total control tonight, taking care of the Syracuse Chiefs tonight 8-3 at McCoy.

More to come

PawSox Still In Control Through Six

Tha PawSox are leading the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-0 after six innings at McCoy.

Pawtucket scored three runs in the first and one in the third off Syracuse starter Ricky Romero. They added another off Romero in the sixth on a single by Jeff Corsaletti. Sandy Madera has three RBI's in the game.

The story of the game thus far is the outing by PawSox starter Bartolo Colon, who pitched four hitless innings in his latest rehab start. The PawSox pitching staff has only allowed one hit through six innings.

PawSox Increase Lead Over Syracuse, Colon Done

The PawSox added another run and now lead 4-0 after four innings tonight at McCoy.

Sandy Madera added his third RBI of the night with an RBI single in the third.

Bartolo Colon is pitching a gem, not allowing a hit through four. He has struck out two and walked two. He has only thrown 40 pitches, 23 for strikes..

Jose Vaquedano has come on in relief to begin the fifth inning.

PawSox Lead Chiefs 3-0 After Two Innings

Good start for the PawSox tonight as they lead the Syracuse Chiefs 3-0 after two innings tonight at McCoy.

Pawtucket scored their runs in the top of the first on a 2-run double by Sandy Madera and a RBI single by Keith Ginter.

Barolo Colon is pitching well for the PawSox. He has not given up a hit through two innings. He has thrown 23 pitches, 14 for strikes. He is on a pitch count of between 45 and 50 pitches.

Game 133- Chiefs vs. PawSox, August 21, 2008

It's the rubber game tonight (7:05pm) of the three game series between the PawSox host the Syracuse Chiefs at McCoy. Syracuse took game one of the series, 4-2, on Tuesday while Pawtucket won last night's contest, 8-5. LHP Ricky Romero (1-2, 3.52 ERA) throws for Syracuse. He'll be opposed by Bartolo Colon (2-1, 1.93 ERA) for Pawtucket.

I am at the game this evening. Here's a brief preview...

Syracuse Chiefs (62-66)

LINE-UP

Wayne Lydon RF
Curtis Thigpen 1B
Buck Coats CF
Russ Adams 2B
Hector Luna 3B
Travis Snyder RF
Kevin Melillo DH
Pedro Lopez SS
Brian Jeroloman C

Romero makes his fourth start of the season for Syracuse. His last outing came last Friday against the PawSox where he took the loss, throwing six innings, giving up five runs on seven hits. That outing was the worst of his Triple A season.

Pawtucket Red Sox (78-54)

LINE-UP

Sean Danielson CF
Joe Thurston 2B
Jason Lane RF
George Kottaras C
Dusty Brown DH
Sandy Madera 1B
Keith Ginter 3B
Jeff Corsaletti LF
Gil Velazquez 1B

Colon makes his sixth start overall for the PawSox and his fourth in this current rehab assignment. He last pitched last Friday in Syracuse. He did not figure in the decision, working only one inning and giving up two hits. In his six previous starts with Pawtucket, Colon has not surrendered a run in four of them. Colon will still be on a pitch limit of between 45 and 50 pitches.

Sorry for the short preview...Internet problems. Join me for updates throughout the game

PawSox Rebound to Beat Chiefs 8-5

The Pawtucket Red Sox scored all their runs in the middle innings in beating the Syracuse Chiefs, 8-5 last night at McCoy. With the win the PawSox cut their magic number in securing a playoff berth in the International League Playoffs to three. They are also only 1 2/2 games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre for the lead in the North Division.

Trailing 2-1 entering the bottom of the fifth, the PawSox blew the game open with five runs against Syracuse reliever Chris George (0-1). Joe Thurston lead off the inning with a walk and then stole second. After Jason Lane and Geroge Kottaras were retired, Dusty Brown walked. Sandy Madera drove in Thurston with a single to center. After Keith Ginter walked to load the bases, Brown scored on a wild pitch. Jeff Corsaletti then cleared the bases with a three-run homer run to right center, his second of the season.

Corsaletti drove in Pawtucket's first run of the game with a sacrifice fly in the fourth. The PawSox scored two more in the sixth on a Brown RBI single and a bases loaded hit-by-pitch to Ginter.

The PawSox were supported on the mound by another solid performance from starter David Pauley. Pauley (14-4) earned the win, Giving up four runs on seven hits. He struck out two and did not walk a batter. He gave up a pair of runs each in the fifth and seventh innings.

Kyle Snyder came on in relief of Pauley and gave up a run over 2 1/3 innings of work. Hunter Jones closed the game for the PawSox, earning his seventh save.

Corsaletti led all PawSox batters with 4 RBI's on the night. Brown had three hits while Thurston and Madera chipped in with two apiece.

For the Chiefs Hector Luna had three hits and scored three runs. Buck Coats, Russ Adams, and Travis Snyder had two hits each.

The two teams play the rubber game of the three game set tonight (7:05 pm). Ricky Romero (1-2) takes the mound for the Chiefs. He'll be opposed by Bartolo Colon (2-1) for the PawSox.

NOTES: According to Fox Sports, the PawSox may soon have another catcher in the clubhouse

Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt will be at the game tonight. He is in town as part of a Prostate Health Awareness campaign. He will be made available to fans for autographs at the game. More information on his appearance can be found at www.TalkAboutBPH.com.

BOX SCORE

Chiefs Overtake PawSox 4-2

PAWTUCKET- The Syracuse Chiefs scored single runs in each of the last three innings to break a 1-1 tie and defeat the PawSox, 4-2, tonight at McCoy.

Both PawSox runs came via the long ball as SS Josh Wilson led off the bottom of the first with a homer into the Pawtucket bullpen in left and C George Kottaras belted a solo home run to right in the bottom of the ninth.

Pawtucket could only muster six hits against four Syracuse pitchers.

“It just was a night when we had a tough time scoring runs", said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “We didn’t do a lot of threatening.”

Pawtucket starter Charlie Zink (13-5) proved to be the tough luck loser, giving up a pair of solo homers, to DH Hector Luna in the second and 3B Danny Sandoval in the seventh. He worked seven innings, giving up only three hits. He struck out seven and walked no one. He threw 91 pitches, 65 for strikes.

“I was really happy with my control” said Zink “I hung one to Sandoval and thought I made a good one to Luna down low, but he was able to get it out.”

“(Charlie) definitely pitched well enough to win” said Johnson.

PawSox reliever Chris Smith gave up a solo run in the seventh on a lead-off double by 1B Kevin Melillo and a sacrifice fly to SS Pedro Lopez.

New PawSox reliever Marcus McBeth pitched the ninth and gave up a double by CF Buck Coats and a sacrifice fly to center by 2B Russ Adams.

Syracuse starter Scott Richmond pitched five solid innings, although he did not figure in the decision. He gave up one run on four hits. He walked two and struck out six. His lone mistake came when he surrendered Wilson’s homer in the first..

Lefty Bill Murphy (6-10) came on in relief of Richmond and pitched two scoreless innings to pick-up the win.

Kottaras and LF Jeff Corsaletti had two hits apiece for the PawSox.

The PawSox still trail Scranton/Wilkes Barre, 2 ½ games out of first place in the IL North.

Game two of the three game series with the Chiefs continues tomorrow night (7:05pm) RHP Brian Wolfe (2-2, 2.39 ERA) throws for Syracuse. He’ll be opposed by David Pauley (13-4, 3.45 ERA) for Pawtucket.

NOTES- PawSox outfielder Jonathan Van Every, who returned to the line-up tonight after missing a few weeks with a strained oblique, left the game in the fifth with a stiff neck and was replaced by Sean Danielson. Johnson said he is day-to-day.

Johnson has announced his rotation for the next five days. Pauley will pitch tomorrow night. Bartolo Colon will make another rehab start Thursday. Edgar Martinez will start on Friday at Rochester in place of Davern Hansack, who was placed on the disabled list yesterday. Michael Bowden will be pushed back one day and start the second game of the Red Wings series Saturday.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Fall to Chiefs 4-2

Tough night for the PawSox as they fall to the Syracuse Chiefs, 4-2, tonight at McCoy.

More coming up...

PawSox and Chiefs Still Tied at 1-1

Status quo from McCoy as the PawSox and Chiefs are still tied 1-1 after six innings.

After giving up a solo homer in the second, PawSox starter Charlie Zink has been outstanding. He has retired the last seven Syracuse batters, throwing at total of 81 pitches, 56 for strikes.

Chiefs/PawSox Still Tied Though Four

No changes at McCoy as the Chiefs and PawSox are still tied 1-1 after four innings.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink has been solid through four. He has given up two hits while walking no one and striking out four. He has thrown 59 pitches, 43 for strikes.

PawSox/Chiefs Knotted at 1-1 After Two

The PawSox and Syracuse Chiefs are tied at 1-1 after two innings tonight at McCoy.

Both runs came courtesy of solo homers...by Pawtucket's Josh Wilson in the first and Syracuse's Hector Luna in the second.

Game 131- Chiefs vs. PawSox, August 19, 2008

The PawSox return home to McCoy tonight (7:05pm) for a brief three-game series with the Syracuse Chiefs. Scott Richmond (0-2, 2.53 ERA) will pitch for Syracuse. He'll be opposed by Charlie Zink (13-4, 2.89 ERA) for Pawtucket.

I am at McCoy tonight. Here is a preview...

Syracuse Chiefs (61-55)

LINE-UP

Wayne Lydon RF
Buck Coats CF
Danny Sandoval 3B
Russ Adams 2B
Hector Luna DH
Travis Snyder LF
Kevin Melillo 1B
Brian Jeroloman C
Pedro Lopez SS

The Chiefs enter the game in fourth place in the IL's North Division 16 1/2 games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Richmond makes his first start for the Chiefs since July 22nd. He spent the last three weeks with the Blue Jays, where he made three starts with a record of 0-2 and a 5.06 ERA. Richmond has made five starts for the Chiefs, surrendering 9 earned runs while striking out 31 and walking six.


Highly touted Blue Jays outfield prospect Travis Snyder makes his first appearance at McCoy. In 9 games with the Chiefs he is hitting .375 with a homer and 9 RBI's. Snyder was Toronto's number 1 draft pick in 2006.

Pawtucket Red Sox (77-53)

LINE-UP

Josh Wilson SS
Joe Thurston 2B
Jason Lane RF
George Kottaras C
Dusty Brown DH
Keith Ginter 3B
Gil Velazquez 1B
Jeff Corsaletti LF
Jonathan Van Every CF

Pawtucket edged closer to clinching a playoff berth even though they did not play last night. Toledo's loss to Richmond puts the PawSox magic number at 4. They are still in second place, 2 1/2 games behind Scranton in the IL's North Division. The PawSox hold a 8-5 edge on the Syracuse thus far this season.

There were two roster moves made today. The biggest is that the Red Sox have signed OF Jason Lane, who opted out of his contract with the Yankees over the weekend. In 97 games for Scranton he batted .236 with 16 homers and 51 RBI's. He is a welcomed sight for PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, who has had to field a team decimated by injuries...

"You don’t want to be short going down the stretch", said Johnson, "We kind of battled with that the last few days of the road trip."

"I'm excited to come here and get some bats and help this team win." said Lane before the game.

The other official move is the arrival of reliever Marcus McBeth. He was acquired off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds. In 24 games with Triple A Louisville he had a 1-1 record with a 6.20 ERA. McBeth was 3-2 with a 5.95 ERA in 23 appearances with the Reds in 2007. Johnson said that McBeth may see action as early as tonight.

Elsewhere on the injury front, Davern Hansack has been placed on the disabled list after big hit by a batted ball off his right forearm Sunday in Buffalo. Johnson said the injury is just a contusion and he doesn't think Hansack will miss more than one start.

Jonathan Van Every is back in the line-up after missing the last couple of weeks with a strained oblique. Chris Carter also did some throwing today and appears to be making progress in his recovery from an oblique injury. No word as of yet on when he will return to action.

Zink makes his return to the PawSox after making his Major League debut one week ago for the Red Sox. Zink's last Triple A outing came on August 8th, a no decision against Charlotte. He pitched seven innings, giving up three runs on six hits. He had one of his best outings of the year against the Chiefs July 3rd when he pitched a complete game, 2-hit shutout in the PawSox' 3-0 win at McCoy.

Al lot going on here tonight...check back as we provide updates throughout the game.

Natale, Thurston Lead PawSox to Win

Jeff Natale and Joe Thurston each had two hits, including a home run, to pace the PawSox to a 5-4 road win over the Syracuse Chiefs last night.

The two homers accounted for four Pawtucket runs. Natale belted a three-run shot in the second inning while Thurston added a solo blast in the fifth, both off Chiefs' starter Ricky Romero. Dusty Brown drove in the remaining Pawtucket run, on an RBI single in the first.

Bartolo Colon started the game for Pawtucket, but lasted only one inning. He did give up two hits but held Syracuse scoreless.

Jose Vaquedano (2-1) proved to be the pitching star for the PawSox. He threw four innings, giving up only one run on five hits. He walked one and struck out one in earning the win.

Eric Hull and Hunter Jones combined to give up three runs on five hits in four innings of work. Jones did pick-up his sixth save of the year.

Romero (1-2) took the loss for Syracuse. Over six innings he gave up all five PawSox runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out three.

Syracuse did collect 12 hits in a losing effort, with Buck Coats and Russ Adams accounting for three hits each.

The win puts the PawSox' magic number to secure a payoff berth dropped at seven. Scranton/Wilkes Barre also lost, so the PawSox are now 1 1/2 games out of first place in the IL North Division.

Pawtucket heads west for two games with the Buffalo Bisons beginning tonight (7:05 pm). Michael Bowden (0-2) looks for his first PawSox win on the mound while he'll be opposed by veteran John Halama (7-4) for Buffalo.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Cannot Hold Lead, Fall to Chiefs 7-6

The Pawtucket Red Sox came from behind to take a one-run lead in the top of the ninth, but could not close the deal, falling to the Syracuse Chiefs 7-6 last night at Alliance Bank Stadium.

Trailing 5-4 entering the ninth, Keith Ginter's two-run homer to right gave the PawSox a 6-5 lead.

Closer Chris Smith (1-4) could not secure the win in the bottom of the frame, giving up two runs and the ball game. Buck Coats led off the inning with a single. After Danny Sandoval flied out to right, Russ Adams walked. Hector Luna then reached on a failed double play attempt, moving Coats to third. Coats scored when Smith threw away a pick-off attempt of Luna at first. Travis Snyder followed with the winning hit, an RBI single to right, plating Luna.

The game looked promising for Pawtucket as they opened up a 4-1 lead in the second inning on back-to-back home runs by Sandy Madera (2-run) and Josh Wilson (solo). Sean Danielson drove in the other PawSox run in the inning with a RBI single to right.

Syracuse chipped away with single runs in the first, second, third, fifth, and seventh to take a 5-4 lead heading into the ninth.

PawSox starter David Pauley gave up four runs on eight hits but did not figure in the decision. He walked one and struck out seven. John Switzer worked two innings, giving up one run on one hit, that being a solo homer to Adams in the seventh.

Syracuse starter David Romero had a brief outing, giving up four runs in only two innings of work. Mike Gosling (5-6), gave up the Pawtucket go-ahead run in the ninth, also picked up the win.

Kinter and Gil Velazquez led all PawSox with three hits apiece. Adams and Syder followed suit for the Chiefs.

The loss, combined with a Scranton/Wilkes Barre win, puts Pawtucket 2 1/2 games behind the Yankees in the IL North Division. The PawSox magic number to secure a playoff spot dropped to eight as Toledo lost to Louisville.

The PawSox and Chiefs wrap up their two game series tonight (7:00 pm). Bartolo Colon (2-1, 2.04 ERA) makes another rehab start for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by Ricky Romero (1-1, 2,12 ERA) for Syracuse.

NOTES: Kyle Snyder has been activated to the PawSox roster. He had been on the disabled list since June 7th with a right groin strain. It is not clear at this point when Snyder will return to the PawSox' rotation.

Zink Stymies Chiefs

PAWTUCKET- Charlie Zink showed tonight why he was selected to the International League All-Star team.

Zink was spectacular on the mound, holding the Syracuse Chiefs to two hits, while Keith Ginter drove in three runs to lead the PawSox to a 3-0 victory tonight before 10,128 in attendance at McCoy.

Zink was extremely efficient. He walked two and struck out eight on 93 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Zink never allowed a Syracuse runner past second base.

“It’s been going on all year” said Zink, “If I’m able to throw strikes, get the guys to put the ball in play, we got a great defense and they go out and make a lot of plays for me.”

“(PawSox pitching coach) Rich (Sauveur) has got me locked in where I’m comfortable repeating my delivery” said Zink, “I’m able to throw a lot of strikes.”

“You could just feel it” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson of Zink’s command, “He was up and down. He was throwing strikes. That’s probably as close as comfortable as I’ve felt in the dugout.”

Zink’s complete game shutout was the first by a PawSox pitcher since September 5, 2004 when Jamie Brown turned the trick against Scranton.

The PawSox were held hitless by Syracuse starter Scott Richmond until the fourth, when they scored their first run. Joe Thurston led off the inning with a single and hustled to third on a follow-up single by Jed Lowrie. After Chris Carter struck out, Thurston scored as Ginter grounded back to Richmond, who potentially had a play at the plate but chose instead to get the safe out at first.

The PawSox did not add to their lead until the eighth. Jonathan Van Every and Jeff Bailey led off with singles off Syracuse reliever Chris George. Thurston then walked to load the bases. Jordan DeJong replaced George. After Lowrie and Carter popped out, Ginter drove in two with a line drive single to center.

“That was a huge hit” said Johnson “You could feel the momentum swing. If you pitch out of that with the bases loaded, that could force your hand.”

Richmond (0-1) was the tough luck loser. He worked seven innings, giving up one run on two hits. He walked three and struck out eight.

The PawSox open a short, two-game series beginning tomorrow night (6:15pm) at McCoy against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. RHP Kris Benson (0-1, 9.00 ERA) goes for the Iron Pigs. RHP Davern Hansack (4-8, 4.39 ERA) takes the mound for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Shut Out Chiefs 3-0

The Pawtucket Red Sox received outstanding pitvhing from starter Charlie Zink and Keith Ginter drove in all three runs as the Paw Sox shut out the Syracuse Chiefs tonight, 3-0.

Complete game story coming soon

PawSox Still On Top of Chiefs, 1-0 After Six

The PawSox still lead the Syracuse Chiefs, 1-0, after six innings tonight at McCoy.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink continues to be impressive on the mound. Through six innings he has given up only one hit while walking two and striking out six. Zink has remained stingy, allowing only one Chiefs runner to reach second. He has thrown only 67 pitches, 43 for strikes.

PawSox Lead Chiefs, 1-0 Through Four

The PawSox lead the Syracuse Chiefs, 1-0 after four innings.

Pawtucket scored their run off Chiefs' starter Scott Richmond in the bottom of the fourth. Joe Thurston led the inning with a single. He advanced to third on a single by Jed Lowrie. After Chris Carter struck out, Thurston scored on a grounder by Keith Ginter in which Richmond's indecisiveness cost the Chief's a potential out at the plate.

The game has been dominated by solid pitching from PawSox starter Charlie Zink. He has allowed only one hit while walking two and striking out three. He continues to be extremely efficient, throwing only 47 pitches, 28 of them for strikes, through four innings.

PawSox, Chiefs Scoreless After Two

The PawSox and Syracuse Chiefs are scoreless after two innings before a packed crowd tonight at McCoy.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink has been impressive through two innings. He has faced the minimum, giving up only one hit while striking out two. He has thrown 20 pitches, 13 for strikes.

Syracuse pitcher Scott Richmond has been equally impressive. He has retired the first six PawSox batters, also striking out two.