The Pawtucket Red Sox committed three errors, leading to three unearned runs, as they fell to the Charlotte Knights 5-4 this afternoon at McCoy. With the win the Knights earned a split of the four game series with the PawSox.
Charlotte scored on an unearned run in the third (throwing error by Dusty Brown on a stolen base attempt), and two more in the seventh (throwing errors by Bailey and another by Brown). Charlotte scored their other two runs on a solo home run by Javier Colina in the fourth and a RBI single by Jason Tyner in the eighth.
The defensive lapses cost PawSox' starter Michael Bowden the opportunity to pick-up his first Triple A win. Bowden pitched well, throwing 6 innings, giving up one earned run (Colina's homer) on six hits. He walked one and struck out six.
The PawSox line-up gave the team the lead early but could not mount a comeback when it fell behind in the later innings. The PawSox scored twice in the third on a pair of ground outs by George Kottaras and Brown. They scored a single run in the seventh on an RBI single by Keith Ginter and another in the eighth on back-to-back wild pitches by Knights' reliever Mike MacDougal.
Bailey was the only member of the PawSox line-up to collect two hits. He also scored two runs. For the Knights, CF Jerry Owens went 3 for 5 while Brad Eldred and David Cook collected two hits each.
The PawSox are now 1 1/2 games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre in the IL North Division. The Yankees come to town beginning tomorrow for a brief two game series at McCoy. Phillip Hughes (1-0) will make his second rehab start for the Yankees. He'll be opposed by Davern Hansack (5-10) for the PawSox.
NOTES: Chris Cater was placed on the 7 day disabled list late Saturday due to that strain to his right oblique. Sandy Madera was re-activated from the DL to fill Carter's spot on the roster.
Monday, August 11, 2008
PawSox Defensive Lapses Lead to Charlotte Win
Sunday, August 10, 2008
Colon Solid, But Knights Edge PawSox 3-1
The Charlotte Knights made the best of their hits in taking today's matinee, 3-1 at McCoy. It's the first win for the Knights in this four game series.
Charlotte scored their runs against the Pawtucket bullpen, scoring two runs in the fifth off Lincoln Holdzkom (5-5) on RBI singles by Jason Bourgeois and Jerry Owens.
Jose Vaquedano gave up an insurance run to the Knights in the eighth on Brad Eldred's 32nd home run of the season.
The PawSox' lone run came in the bottom of the third on Jeff Bailey's 25th homer of the year off Knights' starter and former PawSox' Tomo Okha.
Other than Joe Thurston's three hit performance, the rest of the PawSox offense could not string together enough hits to overcome the solid itching performance exhibited by the Knights.
Okha (4-10) picked up the win, going six innings giving up one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out four.
The Charlotte relief corps of Ehren Wasserman and Jason Childers shut out Pawtucket the rest of the way.
One encouraging sign for the PawSox was the starting pitching of Bartolo Colon, who was making his second rehab assignment for Pawtucket since being sent to the DL in June with a lower back strain. Colon pitched three scoreless innings, giving up three hits while striking out three and walking no one. He had command of all his pitches, with 27 of his 34 throws in the strike zone.
The two teams wrap-up their four game series tomorrow afternoon (12:05 pm) at McCoy. Jack Egbert (3-10) throws for Charlotte while Michael Bowden (0-2) will pitch for the PawSox.
NOTES: It will be interesting to see if one of the PawSox' starters are asked to make an appearance in Boston after it was announced today that Tim Wakefield will be placed on the disabled list with shoulder stiffness. Pawtucket's two best pitchers, Charlie Zink and David Pauley, are not scheduled to pitch until Wednesday and Thursday. Davern Hansack is scheduled to start for the PawSox on Tuesday. Stay tuned...
Saturday, August 9, 2008
Pauley, PawSox, Take Care of Knights at Fenway
BOSTON- Playing at Fenway Park wasn’t intimidating to the Pawtucket Red Sox. Five of their starters came into the game with at least one game of Major League experience. And it showed as the PawSox handled the Charlotte Knights, 5-2, in game two of the Futures at Fenway double header played today in Boston.
The most comfortable of the PawSox appeared to be starter David Pauley, who felt right at home on the Fenway mound, pitching seven strong innings to pick-up his 13th win of the season. Pauley made a spot start for Boston at Fenway on April 22nd in the place of Josh Beckett who was sidelined with the flu. Pauley did not receive the decision in the Sox’ 7-6 win over the Anaheim Angels.
“I think it took a little bit of the nervousness away” said Pauley of his return to the Fenway mound, “It felt good to go out in the beginning and not feel the jitters. It was another game to go out and pitch.”
Pauley gave up only two runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four, throwing 91 pitches, 57 for strikes.
“I wanted to come out and have a good start here and show I can pitch in an atmosphere like this” said Pauley.
“Coming into this situation you are a bit out of your routine” said PawSox Manger Ron Johnson, “It was really gratifying to watch (Pauley) because he’s at the point where he’s a professional.”
The other four players in the PawSox line-up also contributed to the win. Joe Thurston, who spent some time with Boston this season as well as stints in the bigs with the Dodgers and Phillies, went 2 for 4 with two RBI’s. One of those hits was a solo home run to right in the bottom of the third.
Jeff Bailey, who has made three appearances in Boston the last two seasons, contributed a two run double in the fourth. He finished the day 1 for 4.
Keith Ginter, who spent time with Houston, Milwaukee, and Oakland, chipped in with two hits.
And recently acquired infielder Josh Wilson also added a hit for Pawtucket. Wilson had Major League experience with Florida and Washington.
“Joe’s ball really surprised me” said Johnson, “That’s like David Ortiz country.”
Pawtucket also received run scoring hits from Dusty Brown (RBI single in the first) and Gil Velazquez (RBI double in the fourth).
Charlotte starter Charlie Haeger (9-11) took the loss. The PawSox had no trouble handling Haeger’s knuckleball, although he did pitch seven innings, giving five runs on nine hits. He walked two and struck out six.
PawSox lefty Hunter Jones relieved Pauley and threw a scoreless eighth. Chris Smith came on in the ninth to notch his 14th save.
Pawtucket has taken the first two games of the four game series with the Knights. Game three is tomorrow afternoon (1:05 pm) at McCoy. RHP Lance Broadway (10-7 4.68 ERA) pitches for Charlotte. He’ll be opposed by RHP Bartolo Colon (2-1, 2.45 ERA) making another rehab start for the PawSox.
NOTES: I mentioned in an earlier post that because this was a home game, the PawSox’ game staff were in control of much of what took place at Fenway, from official scoring to Jim Martin on the P.A. One other aspect of McCoy that was brought to Fenway was the intro music played for each PawSox player when he comes to bat, as well as the musical bridges after Pawtucket scores a run. Made the fans feel right at home.
In game one of the Futures of Fenway twin bill the Lowell Spinners scored on a bases loaded single in the bottom of the 12th to nip the Hudson Valley Renegades 4-3. In the three years of the Future at Fenway event, the Red Sox organizational clubs are a perfect 6-0.
The paid attendance for the double header was 36,234, although those who turned in tickets numbered only 18,117.
BOX SCORE
PawSox Still on Top of Knights 5-1 Through Six
BOSTON- Moving right along as the PawSox still hold a 5-1 lead over the Charlotte Knights through six innings at Fenway Park.
David Pauley has been masterful thus far, giving up only two hits through six innings. He has thrown 74 pitches, 49 for strikes.
PawSox Take the Lead on Charlotte 5-1 After Four
BOSTON- The PawSox have taken the lead over the Charlotte Knights this afternoon at Fenway. Pawtucket now leads 5-1 after four innings.
Joe Thurston is 2 for 2 in the game, breaking the tie with a solo home run into the right field seats in the bottom of the third.
Pawtucket added to their lead in the bottom of the fourth, all with two out. Gil Velazquez delivered a RBI double to left center, followed two batters later by a two-run double down the left field line by Jeff Bailey.
David Pauley has pitched well through four, giving up only one run on one hit while throwing 56 pitches, 37 for strikes.
PawSox, Knights Knotted at 1-1 After Two Innings
BOSTON- The PawSox and Charlotte Knights are tied at 1-1 after two innings this afternoon at Fenway Park.
The PawSox got on the board first in the bottom of the first. Joe Thurston reached base on a bloop single to left and scored two batters later on an RBI single to left by Dusty Brown.
Charlotte responded in the second on a lead-off double by Royce Huffman, who scored two batters later on a ground out to second by Jason Tyner.
Game on at 4:30pm
The PawSox/Knights game will begin at approximately 4:30pm.
The first game of the Futures at Fenway double header saw the Lowell Spinners win on a two out bases loaded single in the bottom of the 12th inning to upend the Hudson Valley Renegades 4-3.
One other note about the game is that the PawSox staff have control over the game...meaning that P.A. announcer Jim Martin is on the mic at Fenway and PawSox official scorer Bruce Guidon is keeping official track of all the action.
Futures at Fenway Pre-Game, Take Two
It looked like the PawSox game was to start earlier than anticipated, but game one between the Hudson Valley Renegades and the Lowell Spinners has just entered extra innings.
The players and coaches are holed up in the Player's Club located behind the stands in center field. The area is split into two sections, with the two visiting teams sharing one area and the Spinners and PawSox the other. It really is not a clubhouse but a banquet area where players can partake in a pre-game meal while seated at about a dozen tables spread out throughout the room. There is an area cordoned off as a make-shift training room for PawSox Trainer Greg Barajas to care to the players' pre-game needs.
The players are responsible for all their gear, which is also strewn across the floor. Manager Ron Johnson and the coaching staff commandeered a table to make out the startng line-ups and prep for the game.
Friday, August 8, 2008
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.
Knights Still Lead PawSox 3-2 After Six
No changes from McCoy as the Knights still lead the PawSox 3-2 after six innings.
Both starting pitchers, Clayton Richard for Charlotte and Charlie Zink for the PawSox have settled down after giving up their runs in the third inning.
Knights Lead PawSox 3-2 After Four
The Charlotte Knights lead the PawSox, 3-2 after four innings at McCoy.
The Knights got to PawSox' starter Cahrlie Zink for three runs in the third on an RBI ground out by Jason Bourgeois and a two-run homer by Brad Eldred.
Pawtucket got their runs in the bottom of the third on a two-run homer to right by George Kottaras, his 21st of the season.
PawSox, Knights Scoreless After Two
Finally underway at McCoy...with the PawSox and Knights scoreless after two innings.
Both teams have had scoring chances, but starters Charlie Zink and Clayton Richard have been up to the task.
The game was delayed an hour and seven minutes due to rain passing through the area.
Game Delayed
Tonight's game will be delayed by rain. The anticipated start time has been moved to 8:10pm.
Stay tuned...
Game 121- Knights vs. PawSox, August 8, 2008
McCoy Stadium will be a welcome sight for the PawSox as they begin a six-game homestand beginning tonight (7:05 pm) with the first of four games against the Charlotte Knights. LHP Clayton Richard (6-0, 2.37 ERA) takes the mound for Charlotte, opposed by RHP Charlie Zink (13-4, 2.85 ERA) for the PawSox.
I'm in the press box for tonight's contest. Weather may play a factor tonight. Here's a preview nonetheless...
Charlotte Knights (54-66)
LINE-UP
Jerry Owens CF
Jason Bourgeois 2B
Chris Getz 3B
Brad Eldred 1B
Royce Huffman DH
Cole Armstrong C
David Cook RF
Jason Tyler LF
Fernando Cortez SS
The Knights have struggled all year. They currently reside in third place in the IL South Division, ten games behind first place Durham. They have lost three straight and seven of their last ten. Against Pawtucket, the Knights are 2-2 so far in 2008.
Richard makes his seventh start for the Knights. He is just back from a stint with the White Sox where he started three games, going 0-2 with a 10.38 ERA. He has been lights out at Charlotte, going a perfect 6 for 6 in his outings at the Triple A level. He also started 13 games for Double A Birmingham, going 6-6 with an ERA of 2.47.
Pawtucket Red Sox (72-48)
LINE-UP
Jeff Bailey 1B
Joe Thurston LF
Keith Ginter 3B
George Kottaras C
Josh Wilson 2B
Jeff Corsaletti RF
Jeff Natale DH
Gil Velazquez SS
Sean Danielson CF
The PawSox return home after losing three of four to the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. The PawSox left McCoy in first place and now reside 1 1/2 games behind the Yankees in second place in the IL's North Division. The good news is that at 72-48 they are tied with Louisville for the second best record in the league and hold a nine game lead over Toledo for the IL Wild Card.
Zink makes his 25th start for the PawSox tonight. Like Haeger, Zink has been inconsistent over his last four starts. He is 2-2 over that span with a 6.86 ERA.
As you can see from the line-up, the PawSox are without a couple of key players for tonight's game. Manager Ron Johnson said Chris Carter and Jonathan Van Every are nursing oblique/back injuries. Johnson contends that he doesn't think the injuries are serious, but will await more from the PawSox' training staff.
There's also a new face in the PawSox clubhouse. Reliever Beau Vaughan has been added to the PawSox roster. Vaughan has spent the entire season with Double A Portland where he amassed a 2-1 record with a 2.12 ERA. The 6'4" 230lb righthander has been the closer for the Sea Dogs, picking-up 16 saves thus far this season.
Depending on the status of tonight's game, David Pauley will make the start in tomorrow afternoon's game at Fenway. Bartolo Colon will make his next rehab start on Sunday.
Weather permitting check in with us for updates throughout the game.
Saturday, June 7, 2008
PawSox Over Take Knights, 7-4
The Pawtucket Red Sox broke a 2-2 tie with two runs in the top of the fifth inning on their way to a 7-4 victory over the Charlotte Knights last night in Rock Hill, SC. The win earned the PawSox a split of their four game series with the Knights and a 4-4 record on their eight game Carolina road swing.
The PawSox took the lead in the fifth with some help from the Knights. With one out Joe Thurston reached first on an error by pitcher Jack Egbert, who couldn't handle a throw while covering first from first baseman Royce Huffman. Thurston advanced to third on a single by Jed Lowrie then scored on a base hit by Chris Carter. Lowrie scored on a single by George Kottaras, putting the PawSox up 4-2. They would stay on top the remainder of the game.
Thurston had a big day at the plate, going 3 for 5 with a homer and two RBI's. Bobby Kietly also had three hits (3 for 5) and drove in a run. Jed Lowrie (2 for 4) extended his hitting streak to eight games and had an RBI. Gil Velazquez also drove in a run on a sacrifice fly.
The PawSox were led on the mound by Edgar Martinez (2-1), who made a spot start for Manager Ron Johnson. Martinez earned with win, pitching five innings, giving up two runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four. He also gave a solo home run to Danny Richar.
The PawSox bullpen was able to keep the Knights in check. Lincoln Holdzkom gave up a run on four hits over two innings of work. Jon Switzer yielded an unearned run in his inning and two-thirds on the mound. Chris Smith retired the last batter of the game to earn his seventh save of the year.
Egbert (1-5) took the loss, giving up four runs (two earned) over five innings. He surrendered nine hits, walking one and striking out eight. Adam Russell gave up two runs (one earned) during two innings on the mound. Dewon Day yielded the seventh PawSox run in the eighth.
Richar, Josh Fields, and Chris Getz had two hits apiece for the Knights. Getz added two RBI's.
The PawSox return home to McCoy tonight (6:05 pm) when the open up a three game series with the Buffalo Bisons.
BOX SCORE
Friday, June 6, 2008
Game 63- PawSox vs. Knights, June 6, 2008
The PawSox look to earn a split of their series with the Charlotte Knights and earn a split of their 8-game road trip if they can win tonight (7:15 pm) in Rock Hill, SC. RHP Charlie Zink (6-2, 2.60) starts for Pawtucket against RHP Jack Egbert (1-4, 6.39) for the Knight's
Here's a preview...
Pawtucket Red Sox (36-26)
The PawSox snapped their three game losing streak with an impressive 8-3 win over the Knights last night. Jonathan Van Every and Bobby Kielty each belted a three run homer in the win. David Pauley got his 8th win of the season, pitching six innings, giving up three earned runs.
Zink will make his 13th start of the year. He has had an extremely successful season, going 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA over his last 11 starts. He has not given up more than four earned runs in any f his starts this season. He only pitched three innings last week against Durham, removed after two lengthy rain delays.
One off-field move today as the Red Sox have recalled Brandon Moss and have optioned Chris Carter back to Pawtucket.
Charlotte Knights (23-37)
The Knights took the first two games of the series and look to capture their third game tonight.
Egbert makes his eighth start of the season tonight. He has been Jekyll and Hyde his last two outings. On May 27th he gave up 9 runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Rochester. on June 1st he got the win over Richmond, pitching seven innings, surrendering only one run on three hits.
Van Every, Kielty Help PawSox Get Back On Track
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Game 62- PawSox vs Knights, June 5, 2008
The PawSox are looking to right the ship tonight as they play game three of a four game series against the Charlotte Knights. RHP David Pauley (7-2, 3.78) will take the mound for Pawtucket. opposed by RHP Lance Broadway (5-3, 2.95) for the Knights.
Here are how the teams match-up...
Pawtucket Red Sox (35-26)
The PawSox have lost three straight and are currently 2-4 on this Carolina road trip. They have not lost four straight since August of last season. Pawtucket is still sitting in third place in the IL North Division, two games behind division leader Scranton/Wilkes Barre.
The PawSox offense has scored only a total of five runs during their three game skid. During that time the PawSox fell to third in the International League in team batting average (.269). Jed Lowrie has been hot at the plate, entering tonight's game with a 6 game hitting streak over which he has hit .458 with two doubles, a triple, and 3 RBI's.
Pauley makes his 12th start of the season tonight. He was victorious in his last outing, despite giving up seven runs on 11 hits in the PawSox 14-7 win at Durham last Saturday.
Charlotte Knights (23-36)
The Knights enter the game having taken the first two games of the series with the PawSox. They remain in third place in the IL South Division, 8 games behind division leader Richmond.
Broadway will be making his 12th start of the season. He has been shaky over his last four outings, going 0-2 with an ERA of 6.61. He has given up 40 hits in that span, walking five and striking out 12.
PawSox's Bats Silenced by Knights, 4-2
The once potent Pawtucket Red Sox offense has been silenced of late, managing only one hit in their 4-2 loss to the Charlotte Knights last night in Rock Hill, SC. The loss matched the PawSox' longest losing streak of the season at three.
Jed Lowrie collected the PawSox' lone hit, a single in the fourth.
Pawtucket's two runs came without a hit in the top of the seventh, when Charlotte starter Charlie Haeger's and reliever Scott Sauerbeck had trouble finding the plate. In the frame the Charlotte pitchers walked four, threw two wild pitches, and hit a batter.
The PawSox frustrations also rushed to the surface in the seventh as both outfielder Bobby Kielty and Manager Ron Johnson were ejected arguing balls and strikes with home plate umpire Justin Vogel.
The game was scoreless until the bottom of the sixth when the Knights scored all their runs off PawSox reliever Hunter Jones (1-2). As was the case when the Knights scored six runs in the seventh on Tuesday night, they used small ball to do their damage last night. They pounded out five singles and a double to account for their four runs.
Lost in the Pawtucket offensive drought was the strong pitching performance by PawSox starter Clay Buchholz. He pitched five scoreless innings, allowing three hits, striking out three and walking two. He threw 82 pitches, 49 for strikes.
Despite the rough seventh inning, Haeger (4-4) picked up his fourth win of the season. Jason Childers notched his third save.
Chris Getz and Fernando Cortez each collected two hits and drove in a run for Charlotte.
The only offensive news other than Lowrie's single for Pawtucket was that Brandon Moss' 12-game hitting streak came to an end.
The two teams will play game three of their series tonight (7:15 pm) when David Pauley (7-2, 3.78 ERA) takes the mound for Pawtucket against Lance Broadway (5-3, 2.95 ERA) for the Knights.
BOX SCORE
PROJO REPORT
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Game 61- PawSox vs. Knights, June 4, 2008
The PawSox are looking to avoid their third straight loss on the road when they play game two of a four game series with the Charlotte Knights tonight (7:15 pm) in Rock Hill, SC. Clay Buchholz (0-0, 4.50 ERA) starts for Pawtucket against Charlie Haeger (3-4, 4.89 ERA) for the Knights.
Here is a brief look at tonight's game...
Pawtucket Red Sox (35-25)
The PawSox have lost two in a row and are now 2-3 so far on this eight came Carolina road swing. They lost the opener to the Knights 9-3 last night. Fortunately both Scranton/Wilkes Barre and Syracuse lost last night so Pawtucket did not lose any ground behind their IL North Division foes.
Buchholz will make his third start of the season, the first since officially being optioned back to the club by Boston last week end. Over his first two starts he has had mixed success commanding the strike zone, allowing five hits while walking six and striking out eight in eight innings of work.
Charlotte Knights (22-36)
The Knights won last night's game playing long ball and small ball. They hit three solo homers off PawSox starter Davern Hansack and relied on singles and wild pitches in their six-run seventh inning which broke the game open.
Haeger makes his 12th start of 2008. He has had three straight quality starts, pitching at least seven innings each time out. He is 1-0 over those outings with an ERA of 2.41.
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