PawSox Hit the Road Running

The PawSox began their 8-game Virginia road swing in grand fashion tonight, putting together a 8-5 win over the Richmond Braves at the Diamond.

Six Pawtucket starters drove in at least one run and the pitching staff was bolstered by another solid pitching performance out of David Pauley, who secured his 11th win of the season, tops in the International League.

The PawSox offense got on the board in the second inning against Braves starter Chuck James on a solo homer by Dusty Brown (his 8th of the season), and an RBI single by Jeff Bailey.

Pawtucket added a single run in the fifth on a Bobby Kietly sacrifice fly scoring Jed Lowrie, who led off the inning with a double to left.

The PawSox were aided by a wild Braves pitching staff in the sixth when they scored five runs and sent 11 players to the plate. Chad Spann led off with a double and advanced to second on a bunt single by Sean Danielson. After Jonathan Van Every struck out, James was replaced by Andy Shabilio. Danielson stole second and Bailey walked to load the bases. Following a Joe Thurston strike out, Lowrie and Chris Carter worked back-to-back walks to force in two runs. Kielty then singled sharply to center, plating two more PawSox runs. Two more walks to Brown and Spann resulted in the fifth Pawtucket run of the inning.

Pauley's only trouble came in the fifth when he gave up four Richmond runs, only two of which were earned. Four consecutive singles to lead off the inning, capped by a two run hit by Clint Simmons got the Braves back in the game. A throwing error by Lowrie helped get two more Braves runners in scoring position for Derrick Arnold, who singled in two runs two batters later. At the time those tallies gave Richmond a 4-3 lead.

For the game Pauley threw six innings. He gave up seven hits, walked three and struck out four. Eric Hull pitched two scoreless innings of relief. Chris Smith came on and surrendered Anderson's third RBI of the night in the bottom of the ninth.

Bailey went 3 for 5 to pace the PawSox attack. Danielson added two hits. Kielty drove in three runs.

Game two of the four game series will be tomorrow night (7:00pm). Edgar Martinez (3-1) throws for the PawSox. He will face Francisley Bueno (2-3) for the Braves.

Iron Pigs Get the Best of Buchholz, PawSox

Clay Buchholz is human.

With a 4-0 record and a 0.40 ERA over his last four starts, Buchholz proved last night he can have an off night, giving up all five runs in the PawSox' 5-2 loss at the hands of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs last night at McCoy.

Buchholz gave up four runs in the third, courtesy of a Mike Cervenack RBI double and a three run homer to Andy Tracy. Cervenack drove in another run off Buchholz in the fifth.

Overall Buchholz (4-2) pitched five innings, giving up six hits while walking two and striking five. He also threw a wild pitch.

On the other side of the field Lehigh Valley starter Travis Blackley (4-5) got off to a rough start but settled down to earn the win. Blackley gave up both PawSox runs in the bottom of the first on Chris Carter's two run homer, his 18th of the season. Blackley would scatter five PawSox hits over seven innings, walking one while striking out eight.

The win was the first for the Iron Pigs over the PawSox this year and earned a split of the two game series at McCoy.

Pawtucket now embarks on an 8-game road trip beginning tonight (6:00pm) with game one of a four game series in Richmond against the Braves. RHP David Pauley (10-2, 3.40) takes the mound for the PawSox opposed by LHP Chuck James (3-3, 2.00) for the Braves.

PawSox Edge Iron Pigs, 7-6

Successful baseball teams often find ways to overcome adversity. With that said we can say that the 2008 edition of the Pawtucket Red Sox is a successful baseball team.

The PawSox surrendered a three run lead late in last night's game with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, but were still able to escape with a 7-6 win before a huge Independence Day crowd at McCoy.

Leading 6-3 after five innings, PawSox relievers Jose Vaquedano and Hunter Jones allowed the Iron Pigs to tie the game with three runs over the sixth and seventh innings. Mike Rouse drove home in a run with an RBI single in the sixth while Jon Knott tied the game with a two-run double in the seventh.

But PawSox were never rattled, and Jeff Bailey broke the tie with a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the eighth off Iron Pigs reliever R.J. Swindle.

PawSox reliever Chris Smith, back with the team after being optioned back by the Red Sox on Thursday, pitched a scoreless ninth inning to complete the win and secure his ninth save of the season.

Much of the PawSox offense came from the team's representatives to the Triple-A All Star Team. Joe Thurston (2 for 5) belted a homer and drove in three runs. Chris Carter (3 for 5, 1 RBI) also homered. Bailey (2 for 4) drove in a run in the second, giving him two RBI's for the game. Dusty Brown and Gil Velasquez added two hits apiece with Brown also driving in a run.

Before the Iron Pigs' comeback, Pawtucket starter Devern Hansack was in line for his third straight win. He pitched five innings, and was charged with three runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out six.

Former major league starter Kris Benson had his second disappointing outing for the Iron Pigs. Even though he did not figure in the decision, he did give up six runs on nine hits over five innings of work.

The two teams close out their brief two game series tonight (6:05 pm) at McCoy. Phillies ace Bret Myers (0-1, 5.40 ERA) makes his second Triple-A start for Lehigh Valley. He'll be opposed by the PawSox' Clay Buchholz (4-1, 1.63 ERA).

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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.

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Cheifs Use Small Ball to Beat PawSox 6-5

With the current success of the PawSox, teams are needing to find innovative ways to win. That's exactly what the Syracuse Chiefs did last night.

Syracuse used their speed to break-up a 5-5 tie in the top of the ninth and earn a 6-5 victory before an overflowing crowd of 12,291 at McCoy.

After PawSox reliever Eric Hull (1-3) retired the first two batters in the ninth. Speedy Chief's lead-off man Wayne Lydon reached with a walk. Lydon stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by PawSox catcher Dusty Brown. With the infield back, second baseman Danny Sandoval laid down a perfect bunt single to third, scoring Lydon and giving Syracuse the lead.

The PawSox had a chance to tie the game after Jed Lowrie reached scoring position with one out. But Chris Carter grounded out to first and Keith Ginter struck out to end the game.

For the second straight game the PawSox needed to play a game of catch-up after the Chiefs took an early lead. Syracuse scored three runs off PawSox starter Edgar Martinez in the second on a pair of singes by Lydon and Sandoval. They also added another run of Martinez in the fourth on Eric Kratz' ninth homer of the year.

The PawSox were able to knot the game at 4-4 with a Jonathan Van Every ground out RBI in the second and a Brown RBI triple and Chad Spann two-run homer, both in the fourth.

Pawtucket actually took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth on a Brown sacrifice fly. Syracuse tied the game in the sixth as 3B Kevin Mellilio would score on a two-out throwing error by Lowrie.

Martinez only lasted three innings for the PawSox, giving up four runs on six hits. Miguel Asencio came on in relief and pitched four strong innings, yielding one un-earned run on one hit. Micheal Tejera pitched a perfect eighth.

Syracuse starter Bill Murphy threw five innings giving up all five PawSox runs on eight hits. The Chiefs relief crew of Jonah Bayliss, Mike Gosling, and Brian Wolfe kept Pawtucket off the score board the remainder of the game. Wolfe earned his first win of the season.

Sandoval had three hits and drove in two to lead the Syracuse attack. For the PawSox Brown (2 for 3) and Spann (1 for 3) drove in a pair of runs each. OF Bobby Kielty returned to the PawSox line-up and contributed with a 2 for 5 night. Kielty had been on the disabled list since June 9th with a right oblique strain.

The two teams wrap-up their four-game home-and-home series tonight with Scott Richmond (0-0) throwing for Syracuse, opposed by PawSox All-Star starter Charlie Zink (8-2). Tonight's contest again starts at 6:15pm to accommodate a fireworks show at game's end.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Come Back to Nip Chiefs 5-3

The PawSox gave up a lead in the eighth, but stormed back to get two runs in the ninth, good enough to edge the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-3 last night. The win earned Pawtucket a sweep of the Syracuse end of the four game home-and-home series. The PawSox also ended their five-game road trip with a 4-1 record.

The PawSox did all their damage in the ninth with two outs. Three consecutive singles by Dusty Brown, Sean Danielson, and Jonathan Van Every broke the 3-3 tie. After Jeff Bailey walked to load the bases, Joe Thurston was hit by a pitch from Chief's reliever Mike Gosling (3-4) giving Pawtucket an insurance run.

The PawSox found themselves in comeback mode all night, erasing deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the eighth. The first three Pawtucket runs scored on a Chris Carter sacrifice fly in the fourth and a George Kottaras two-run homer in the seventh, his 16th of the season.

PawSox starter David Pauley was in line to earn his 11th win of the year, but reliever Lincoln Holdzkom could not hold the lead in the eighth. Wayne Lydon began the inning by grounding a single past short them stealing second. A Danny Sandoval sacrifice bunt put Lydon at third with one out. After Ben Coats walked, Matt Watson laced an RBI single to right, tying the game.

Jon Switzer came on in relief of Holdzkom and ended the Syracuse rally without any other runs crossing the plate.

Pauley pitched seven innings giving up two runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four in earning the no decision. Switzer (4-1) picked up the win. Hunter Jones came on to close the game, gathering his fifth save on 2008.

Keith Ginter and Danielson each had two hits for Pawtucket. Jed Lowrie's double in the fourth extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Lydon and Sandoval collected two hits each for the Chiefs.

The McCoy portion of the home-and-home series with the Chiefs begins tonight at McCoy as LHP Bill Murphy (5-5) takes the mound for Syracuse against RHP Edgar Martinez (3-1) for the PawSox.

Keep in mind that there will be earlier starting times for this week's four-game home stand at McCoy. Games Wednesday through Friday begin at 6:15pm while Saturday's finale will begin at 6:05pm. A fireworks display will follow each game of the home stand.

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Buchholz Paces PawSox Win

PawSox starter Clay Buchholz put together another strong pitching performance, leading Pwtucket to a 5-2 victory over the Syracuse Chiefs last night at Alliance Bank Stadium. The win is the PawSox' third in four tries on this current road trip, and nine out of their last ten away from McCoy Stadium.

Buchholz (4-1, 1.63 ERA) threw five innings of scoreless ball, limiting the Chiefs to four hits. He walked one and struck out three three. Over his last 22 2/3 innings Buchholz has only surrendered one earned run.

Pawtucket scored a run in the first off Chiefs starter Davis Romero (3-6) on a Joe Thurston RBI double, driving in Jeff Bailey who led the game off with a single.

The PawSox would get all the rest of the runs in top of the fifth, touching Romero for four runs and sending nine players to the plate. With two out and Sean Danielson on second base (courtesy a fielder's choice and stolen base) Bailey singled to left, scoring Danielson. Thurston then followed with a single to center. Bailey scored and Thurston advanced to third as the throw to the plate was mishandled by Chiefs catcher Curtis Thigpen. A Jed Lowrie walk and Chris Carter single plated Thurston with the fourth PawSox run. Following a Syracuse pitching change, Lowrie scored on a Keith Ginter RBI single to center.

Thurston finished the day 3 for 5 to raise his International League leading batting average to .324. Bailey and Danielson had two hits each.

PawSox reliever Michael Tejera gave up both Syracuse runs in the bottom of the seventh on a Chip Cannon RBI single and a Thigpen sacrifice fly.

The rest of the Pawtucket bullpen was solid. Mike Timlin threw another scoreless rehab inning. Eric Hull and Hunter Jones finished the game for the PawSox, with Jones securing his fourth save of the season.

Romero worked only 4 2/3 innings in taking the loss.

The two clubs wrap-up the Syracuse portion of their four game home-and-home series tonight (7:00 pm). David Pauley (10-2) takes the mound for the PawSox, opposed by David Purcey (6-6) for Syracuse.

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Van Every Powers PawSox Past Red Wings

Jonathan Van Every is really going to miss Rochester.

The PawSox center fielder tied a team record by belting three homers in the PawSox' 10-0 whitewash of the Rochester Red Wings in a game shortened to eight innings due to rain. It's Van Every's fourth homer in the last two games against the Red Wings.

Van Every's three homers accounted for five of Pawtucket's runs. The other runs also came courtesy of the long ball with Jed Lowrie (4 RBI's) tallying two homers while Gil Velazquez added a solo shot.

No Rochester pitcher was spared from giving up a homer. Starter Brian Duensing (4-8) gave up a pair of two-run homers, to Lowrie in the first and Van Every in the fifth. Casey Daigle gave up three homers, solo taters to Velazquez and Van Every and a two run shot by Lowrie, all in the seventh inning. Julio DePaula surrendered Van Every's third blast, a two-run bomb in the eighth.

Lost in all the offensive fireworks was the job on the mound put in by PawSox starting pitcher Davern Hansack (4-8). With his seven innings of scoreless ball Hansack has now not allowed an earned run over his last 23 consecutive innings. He held the Red Wings to only two hits, striking out eight and walking no one. Jose Vaquedano pitched 2/3 of an inning in the eighth before the game was halted by rain.

With the win the PawSox now have a 5 game lead over Scranton in the IL's North Division. Pawtucket heads to Syracuse to open a two game series tomorrow night (7:00pm) with the Chiefs. Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.87) will throw for Pawtucket against lefty Davis Romero (3-5, 3.48) for the Chiefs.

And in case your wondering, Van Every will be able to celebrate a return to Rochester for two games in late August.

BOX SCORE
MiLB.COM REPORT

PawSox Complete Sweep of Braves, 4-1

Fans of the PawSox have been treated to some quality ball, especially over this last 8-game home stand. Pawtucket won their season-high seventh straight game last night, sweeping the Richmond Braves 4-1 before over 8,000 fans at McCoy.

The PawSox broke up a 1-1 tie by scoring three times in the bottom of the seventh. With one out Jeff Bailey singled to left center off Braves reliever Matt DeSalvo (2-7). After Joe Thurston followed with a walk, Jed Lowrie banged a two-run double to left center. Three batters later Lowrie would score on an RBI single to center by Bryan Pritz.

Other than the late game heroics at the plate, the story of the game was the solid pitching performance, once again, from PawSox starter David Pauley. Pauley improved his record to 10-2, tying him for the league lead in wins. Over seven innings Pauley gave up only four hits. He struck out a season-high nine batters and walked only two.

Pauley gave up the Braves' lone run in the top of the first. Lead-off man Josh Anderson belted the first pitch of the game for a single. He advanced to second when Pauley committed a throwing error on a pick-off attempt at first. Anderson would score three batters later on a Barbaro Canizares ground out. Despite the bad start Pauley was able to retain his composure and pitch scoreless ball the rest of the night.

Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin, on a rehab assignment with Pawtucket, pitched a 1-2-3 eighth. Hunter Jones struck out two in a scoreless ninth, picking-up the save.

Chris Carter and Pritz had two hits apiece for the PawSox. Carl Loadenthal had a pair of hits for the Braves.

After a 7-1 home stand the PawSox play their next five games away from McCoy, beginning with a three game set tonight (7:05 pm) at Rochester. RHP Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.22) will throw for the PawSox against Red Wings RHP Danny Graves (3-2, 5.40).

I will be away from the computer all weekend, so no updates until possibly late Sunday. Enjoy!

BOX SCORE

Buchholz, PawSox Handle Braves, 10-1

PAWTUCKET- Clay Buchholz was once again spectacular on the mound and the offense hammered out 13 hits, as the PawSox had little trouble handling the Richmond Braves, 10-1, tonight at McCoy.

Buchholz pitched 6 2/3 innings. He gave up five hits, striking out seven and walking two. His only blemish came in the top of the seventh when he surrendered a lead-off homer to Braves 1B Barbaro Canizares. That run ended a 17-inning scoreless streak by Buchholz dating back to his last two starts.

“He pitched tonight”, said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “I liked the composure on the mound. When he needed to make a quality pitch he did it.”

“I felt like I got a lot more confidence now than I had about a month and a half ago” said Buchholz, “Just knowing that I can throw it to get an out when I need to is basically what I’m supposed to be doing right now.”

Buchholz was helped by a pair of slick double plays made behind him in the field…one from Joe Thurston in the fourth and another by Sean Danielson in the fifth.

There was no lack of offensive heroes for the PawSox tonight. Bryan Pritz drove in three runs, going 3 for 4 with two doubles. George Kottaras (2 for 4) drove in a pair of runs on two solo homers. Chris Carter (3 for 4) also drove in a pair. Keith Ginter extended his hitting streak to six games with a 2 for 5 night at the plate.

The PawSox began their offensive onslaught with a pair of runs in the bottom of the second off Braves starter Jerome Gamble (0-2). Chris Carter led off with a single and advanced to third on a double by Keith Ginter. After Kottaras grounded out to first, Bryan Pritz laced a double to left, plating Carter and Ginter..

Control problems did in Gamble and the Braves in the bottom of the fourth as Pawtucket added five runs. With one out Kottaras belted his 13th homer of the season deep down the right field line. Pritz followed with his second double of the game. Gamble then walked three of the next four batters to force in a run.

Gamble was replaced by Zach Schreiber, who didn’t fare much better, giving up another bases loaded walk, to Jed Lowrie, and a two run single to Chris Carter.

Kottaras added his second homer of the game off Schreiber in the bottom of the fifth.

The PawSox added more two runs in the seventh off Braves relievers Jeff Ridgeway and Jorge Julio. Carter led off with a walk Ginter singled and Kottaras walked to load the bases. Pritz drove in his third run on a single to center, scoring Carter. After Sean Danielson struck out Ginter scored on an infield single by Jonathan Van Every.

Eric Hull and Lincoln Holdzkom pitched in relief of Buchholz and pitched 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball.

Canizares and LF Carl Loadenthal had two hits apiece for the Braves

With the win, combined with another Scranton/Wilkes Barre loss, the PawSox are now three games on top of the IL North Division.

The two clubs wrap up the series tomorrow night (7:05 pm). LHP Chuck James (3-2, 1.88) starts for Richmond. He’ll be opposed by RHP David Pauley (9-2, 3.78) for the PawSox.

NOTES: The Red Sox have announced that reliever Mike Timlin will make a rehab appearance tomorrow night with the PawSox at McCoy. He is expected to throw one inning.

The PawSox have had unbelievable success against the Braves. Along with taking the first three games of this series, the PawSox are 23-5 against Richmond dating back to 2004.

BOX SCORE

Hansack Solid in PawSox 6-1 Win

PawSox starter Davern Hansack threw eight innings of scoreless ball to lead the PawSox to a 6-1 victory over the Richmond Braves last night at McCoy.

Hansack (3-8), who has now thrown 14 consecutive shutout innings, surrendered only two hits in his eight innings of work. He had command of all his pitches, striking out four and walking no one. 61 of his 89 pitches were strikes.

Offensively the PawSox scored all their runs in the second and fourth innings. A RBI double by Dusty Brown and a Bryan Pitz fielder's choice plated two in the second. Pawtucket scored four more in the fourth, on a solo homer by Jed Lowrie, a two-run triple by Brown, and a gruond out by Sean Danielson.

Brown(2for 3, double, triple, 3 RBI) and Danielson (2 for 3) had two hits apiece for the PawSox.

Richmond starter Jonathan Rouwenhorst (6-7) suffered his second consecutive loss. He gave up all six PawSox runs on seven hits in 3 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out two. Chris Resop and Andy Shibilo came on in relief and shut down the PawSox the remainder of the game.

The lone Braves run came in the top of the ninth when PawSox reliever Jose Vaquedano got into a jam and hit Jason Perry with the bases loaded, forcing in a run.

The victory was Pawtucket's fifth in a row. And combined with a Scranton/Wilkes Barre loss, the PawSox now find themselves two games ahead of the Yankees in first place in the IL North.

Game three of the four game series continues tonight (7:05 pm) as RHP Jerome Gamble (0-1, 4.50) throws for the Braves. He'll be opposed by RHP Clay Buchholz (2-1, 2.00) for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Do It Again in Ten, 7-6

When a team is on a roll, everything seems to fall their way. That appears to be the case right now with the Pawtucket Red Sox.

Down 6-5 with two outs in the bottom of the tenth inning last night at McCoy, the PawSox mounted a two-run rally and beat the Richmond Braves, 7-6.

Richmond took the lead in the top of the tenth on 1B Scott Thorman's second solo homer of the game, off PawSox reliever Jon Switzer (3-0).

With Braves reliever Jorge Julio (0-1) in the game, George Kottaras and Bryan Pitz started the rally with back-to-back singles. After Chad Spann came in to run for Kottaras, pinch hitter Dusty Brown was hit by a pitch to load the bases. A grounder off the bat of Jonathan Van Every was mis-handled by Braves second baseman Derrick Arnold, plating Spann. Jeff Bailey then earned the game-winning RBI with a bases-loaded walk.

Bailey had another huge day at the plate, going 3 for 4 with a pair of doubles and 3 RBI's. Kottaras (2 for 5) also drove in a pair for Pawtucket. Pitz (2 for 5) and Jed Lowrie (2 for 5, 1 RBI) also had solid nights at the plate.

The PawSox were riding high once again on the back of starting pitcher Charlie Zink, leading 4-2 before Thorman and RF Jason Perry touched Zink for back-to-back homers to lead off the top of the sixth and tie the game.

Pawtucket would strike back to take the lead in the bottom of the sixth on a Bailey RBI double.

The Braves would tie the game one inning later on a Thorman sacrifice fly.

Zink pitched 8 1/3 innings, giving up five runs, four of which were earned, on five hits. He walked four and struck out 10. Richmond starter Brian Lawrence worked 5 1/3 innings yielding five runs on 9 hits. Neither started figured in the decision.

With the win the PawSox remain alone atop the IL North, one game clear of the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees.

Game two of the series is set for tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. LHP Jonathon Rouwenhorst (6-6, 5.50) throws for Richmond while RHP Devern Hansack (2-8, 5.40) takes the mound for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

Van Every Powers PawSox to Extra Inning Win

Outfielder Jonathan Van Every belted a two run, walk-off homer in the bottom of the tenth to lift the PawSox to a 8-6 win over the Columbus Clippers this afternoon at McCoy.

Van Every's homer came on a 2-2 pitch off Clippers' reliever Mike Bacsik (5-3), scoring Bryan Pitz who led the inning with a single.

The PawSox belted four homers in the game. Jeff Bailey hit two of them, both solo shots, giving him 22 for the season. George Kottaras (#12) added a two run homer in the sixth.

Jed Lowrie (2 for 4) and Keith Ginter (2 for 3, 2 doubles) drove in the other Pawtucket runs.

Bailey's two homers contributed to his 3 for 4 day at the plate. Pitz also had two hits (2 for 5) for Pawtucket.

The PawSox received consistent starting pitching from Edgar Martinez. He worked 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits. He walked two and struck out seven. The damage to Martinez came on an Alex Escobar two-run homer in the sixth.

PawSox relievers Miguel Asencio and Michael Tejera gave up four runs in the seventh via a Lance Broadway grand slam to briefly give the Clippers a 6-4 lead. The PawSox quickly tied the game in the bottom of the frame on Bailey's second homer and and RBI double by Ginter.

Lincoln Holdzkom and Hunter Jones pitched 3 1/3 scoreless innings the rest of the game. Jones (3-2) picked-up the win.

Lance Broadway had a big day at the plate for Columbus. He went 2 for 5 which included his grand slam.

With the win the PawSox took three of four from Columbus and find themselves at 16 games above .500 (47-31) for the first time this year.

Pawtucket opens up a four game series beginning tomorrow night (7:05 pm) at McCoy against the Richmond Braves. RHP Brian Lawrence (0-1, 8.10) throws for the Braves. RHP Charlie Zink (8-2, 2.14) will go for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Top Bats in 13, 4-3

George Kottaras singled in the winning run in the bottom of the 13th inning to give the PawSox a 4-3 win last night at McCoy. The PawSox have now taken two of three over the Bats in this four game series.

Joe Thurston got the PawSox going in the 13th with a bunt single off Bats reliever Camilo Vazquez (0-1). Jed Lowrie followed with a single, advancing Thurston to second. A Chris Carter fielder's choice put runners on first and third. Kottaras then belted a sharp single to right to end the game.

It looked like the PawSox would not need to go extra frames as they held a 3-1 lead heading into the top of the ninth. But PawSox relievers Jose Vaquedano and Jon Switzer could not hold the lead, with Vaquedano giving up a bases loaded walk to Andy Green and Switzer yielding an RBI infield single to Drew T. Anderson to knot the score at 3-3.

The PawSox bullpen meltdown wasted another masterful performance by starter Charlie Zink. Zink had great command of his knuckleball, pitching 7 2/3 innings. He gave up one unearned run on five hits. He walked one and struck out five.

Lincoln Holzkom (4-1) took the win for Pawtucket, pitching two scoreless innings.

Thurston (2 for 4) continued his hot streak at the plate. He accounted for the other three Pawtucket runs by belting a three-run homer off Louisville starter Justin Mallet in the third.

Jed Lowrie had three hits (3 for 6) in the game to extend his hitting streak to 14 games.

With the win, combined with a Scranton/Wilkes Barre loss, the PawSox are now only one game behind the Yankees in first place in the IL North Division.

The two teams will wrap up their four game series tonight (7:05 pm). LHP Matt Maloney (6-3, 4.64) takes the mound for Louisville. He'll be opposed by RHP Devern Hansack (2-8, 6.11) for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Slam Bats, 11-3

PAWTUCKET- RF Joe Thurston went 2 for 5 and drove in four runs and C Dusty Brown added a grand slam to lead the PawSox over the Louisville Bats, 11-3 tonight at McCoy.

The PawSox scored seven runs in the seventh inning to open up what had been a slim 4-3 lead. The runs came courtesy of Thurston’s three-run homer and Brown’s grand slam, both off Louisville reliever Marcus McBeth.

“Joe Thurston…he’s rollin’”, said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “He’s right in the middle of every big thing we’ve got going on.”

PawSox starter Edgar Martinez made his second straight start and held the Bats relatively in check over four and two-thirds innings of work. He was touched for a single run in the fifth on an RBI single by Louisville DH Ryan Hanigan. He finished the night surrendering five hits. He walked three and struck out four. He threw 90 pitches, 55 for strikes. Martinez also found himself in trouble in the fourth but was bailed out of the jam when CF Jonathan Van Every threw out 1B Adam Barker attempting to score from second on a two out single by C Alvin Colina.

“I really liked the way he went after hitters.” said Johnson.

“I’m really comfortable”, said Martinez, “I think everything was working today.”

Bats starter Ramon Ramirez looked impressive early in the game, holding the PawSox hitless over the first four innings.

The PawSox finally got to Ramirez in the bottom of the fifth, scoring four runs. DH George Kottaras led off with a walk. Running on a 3-2 count, Kottaras scored on a double down the left field line by 3B Keith Ginter. C Dusty Brown walked, but Gil Velazquez grounded into a 6-4-3 double play. Van Every plated Ginter by drilling a triple down the right field line. 1B Jeff Bailey followed with an RBI double to left center. He was driven home on RF Thurston’s scorching single past the glove of Andy Green at second.

Hunter Jones (2-2) picked up the win in relief of Martinez. He did give up two runs in an inning and a third of work, one coming on a solo homer by Adam Rosales in the sixth.

Eric Hull and Chris Smith pitched the final three innings in scoreless fashion.

Along with Thurston, Van Every (2 for 4) and Bailey (2 for 4), and George Kottaras had two hits apiece for the PawSox . Jed Lowrie (1 for 3) extended his hitting streak to 13 games with a double in the fifth inning.

Hanigan and Colina had two hits each for Louisville.

Game three of the series will be played tomorrow night (7:05 pm). RHP Justin Mallett (2-1, 3.00 ERA) goes for the Bats. RHP Charlie Zink (7-2, 2.44 ERA) throws for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

Bats Edge Past PawSox, 8-7

Drew Anderson knocked in the go ahead run in the top of the ninth, and the Louisville bullpen held back one last Pawtucket charge, as the Bats nipped the PawSox, 8-7 tonight at McCoy. The loss was the PawSox' third in a row.

The PawSox rallied to put themselves in a position to tie or even win the game in the bottom of the ninth when, with one out, Jed Lowrie and Chris Carter singled to put two runners on against Louisville reliever Josh Roenicke. But Roenicke closed the door, retiring George Kottaras and Keith Ginter to seal the Bats' victory.

The Bats' winning run came off PawSox reliever Michael Tejera (3-4), who up until the ninth, had pitched 1 2/3 innings of scoreless ball. He entered the final frame in a tie game after Jonathan Van Every knotted the game at 7-7 in the bottom of the eighth with a solo homer to left center, his 12th of the year.

Neither of the team's ace starters, Adam Pettyjohn for the Bats, nor David Pauley for the PawSox, pitched particularly well. Pettyjohn pitched five innings, giving up five runs on eight hits. He walked three and struck out no one. Pauley went 6 1/3 innings, yielding seven runs, four of which were earned. He walked one, struck out two, and gave up a two-run homer to Andy Green in the fifth.

The PawSox had a 2-0 lead after two innings on an RBI double by Carter in the first and a Joe Thurston sacrifice fly in the second.

The Bats scored five runs over the fourth and fifth innings to take their first lead of the night. Anderson and Ryan Hanigan drove in two runs in the fourth. The Bats scored three unearned runs in the fifth as a throwing error by 1B Chad Spann plated a run just ahead of Green's homer.

The PawSox clawed back with three of their own in the bottom of the fifth on back-to-back doubles by Kottaras and Ginter.

Consecutive doubles by Jerry Gil and Adam Rosales plated two more Bats runs in the top of the sixth. Joe Thurston kept the PawSox within a run, belting his 4th homer of the season in the bottom of the frame.

Green was 3 for 5 to with two RBI's to pace the Louisville attack. Anderson and Rosales added two hits apiece with Anderson also driving in a pair.

Thurston went 3 for 4 and drove in two for Pawtucket, Carter and Kottaras each had a pair of hits. Kottaras also added two RBI's. Lowrie's single in the ninth extended his hit streak to 12 games.

Todd Coffey (1-2) picked-up the win in relief for the Bats. Roenicke earned the save.

Game two of the series will be played tomorrow night (7:05 pm) as RHP Ramon Ramirez (2-0, 6.06) takes the mound for Louisville against RHP Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.61) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

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

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

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 on