PawSox Dismantle Iron Pigs, Complete Most Successful Regular Season in Team History

The Pawtucket Red Sox wrapped up their 2008 regular season in grand style, sweeping the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs 9-2 this afternoon at McCoy. In doing so the PawSox finished the year with a total of 85 wins, the most in franchise history.

The PawSox gave starter Bartolo Colon all the support he needed, staking the big right-hander to a 7-0 lead after four innings. Pawtucket scored two runs in the third on a two-run home run by Jeff Natale. They then added five more in the fourth, on a two-run sinlge by Keith Ginter, a fielder's choice by Sean Danielson, an RBI single by Josh WIlson, and a bases loaded walk to Jason Lane.

The PawSox added single runs in both the fifth and sixth to close out their scoring. Natale finished the day with three RBI's while Ginter added two. Natale also chipped in with a perfect 3 for 3 day. Joe Thurston and Kinter added two hits apiece.

Colon (3-1) was outstanding once again for the PawSox. He worked six innings, giving up only one run on four hits. He walked one and struck out one. He was extremely efficient and consistently around the plate, throwing only 66 pitches, 48 for strikes. His performance will likely land him in Boston as the Sox prepare for their stretch run.

Travis Minix (0-1) took the loss for the Iron Pigs. He was tagged with seven runs on six hits in 3 2/3 innings of work.

With the win the PawSox complete a 15-1 record against the Iron Pigs for 2008.

Pawtucket has tomorrow off as they prepare to host Game One of the first round of the Governor's Cup playoffs against the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees Wednesday night (7:05 pm) at McCoy. LHP Chase Wright (2-1, 2.41 ERA) will pitch for the Yankees. He'll be opposed by knucleballer Charlie Zink (14-6, 2.84 ERA) for the PawSox.

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PawSox Bash Iron Pigs, 14-4

The Pawtucket Red Sox continued its dominance over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, collecting a season-high 19 hits in their 14-4 thrashing last night at Coca-Cola Park. The PawSox swept the four game series in Allentown and are 13-1 against Lehigh Valey this season.

Every member of the PawSox line-up had at least one hit, with Josh Wilson, Chris Carter, and Gil Velazquez contributing three hits each. Jeff Corsaletti, Jason Lane, Dusty Brown, and Jonathan Van Every chipped in with two hits each. Ten of the 19 hits were for extra bases.

Also impressive was that eight of the nine Pawtucket hitters had at least one RBI. Velazquez (3 RBIs) and Van Every (2 RBI's) hit back-to-back homers for the second straight game. Lane (3 RBI's) and Brown (2 RBI's) also knocked in multiple runs.

The PawSox were once again led on the mound by the bullpen, which pitched seven combined scoreless innings to close out the game. Lincoln Holdzkom (6-5) was the most impressive, throwing four innings of one hit ball to earn the win. Jon Switzer (one inning) and Hunter Jones (two innings) each gave up only one hit apiece during their outings.

PawSox starter Edgar Martinez had his issues on the mound, giving up four runs on six hits in two innings of work. He was also a bit wild, walking four and not striking out anyone.

Former Major League starter Kris Benson (1-4) took the brunt of the damage for the Iron Pigs. He gave up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits over four innings. He walked three, struck out two, and gave up both PawSox home runs. Reliever Wes Walrond did not fare much better, giving up six runs on eight hits over 1 2/3 innings.

With the win the PawSox tied a franchise record for most wins in a season at 83. They are off today and begin their final regular season homestand of the season tomorrow nignt (7:05pm) when they open a two game series with the Buffalo Bisons. Aaron Laffey (6-2) will pitch for Buffalo. He'll go up against Charlie Zink (14-5) for Pawtucket.

NOTES: With the Red Sox trading for OF Mark Kotsay yesterday, IF/OF Joe Thurston has been optioned back to Pawtucket. He should be back in the starting line-up tomorrow night.

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PawSox Bash Iron Pigs 11-4

The PawSox pounded out 18 hits and pulled away from the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs late, 11-4, last night at Coca Cola Park. Pawtucket has won three in a row and are now 12-1 against the Iron Pigs this season.

Eight of the nine batters in the Pawtucket line-up collected at least one hit. The group was led by the newly-activated Chris Carter and 1B Jeff Natale who had four hits each. C David Ross had three hits while Keith Ginter and Gil Velazquez contributed with two apiece.

The PawSox got out of the box right away against Lehigh Valley starter J.A. Happ (8-7) by scoring five runs over the first two innings. Carter, Ginter, and Natale had RBI singles in the first while Carter and Ross drove in a pair in the second.

The PawSox did not score again until putting up six runs in the top of the ninth, on RBI singles by Ginter and Natale and back-to-back home runs by Velazquez (3-run) and Jonathan Van Every (solo).

Bartolo Colon started the game for the PawSox and was not as solid as his previous outings. He pitched three innings, giving up all four Iron Pigs Runs (3 earned) on four hits. He walked one, struck out three, and gave up a three-run homer to LF Brandon Watson.

The Pawtucket bullpen once again picked-up the pieces and threw six innings of scoreless relief. Marcus McBeth (2-1), Beau Vaighan, and Chris Smith pitched two innings each, surrendering a total of four hits. McBeth was credited with the win while Smith earned his 15th save.

Happ gave up five runs over 1 2/3 innings to take the loss. Reliever Matt Childers was the victim of the PawSox' six-run ninth.

Pawtucket plays its final regular season road game tonight (7:05 pm) as they wrap-up their four game series in Allentown. Edgar Martinez (7-3) in scheduled to pitch for Pawtucket. He will be opposed by Kris Benson (1-2) for Lehigh Valley.

NOTES- IF/OF Joe Thurston was recalled by the Red Sox to take the roster spot left vacant after J.D. Drew was placed on the 15-day disabled list. Thurston was also added to the Red Sox' 40-man roster.

Chris Smith was sent back down to Pawtucket after Tim Wakefield re-activated from the disabled list.

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PawSox Get By Iron Pigs, 4-2

For the second straight game the Pawtucket Red Sox rallied from behind to over take the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, 4-2, last night at Coca Cola Park.

Trailing 2-0 entering the fourth inning, the PawSox were able to tie the score on a two-out, two-run single to right by Josh Wilson.

Pawtucket broke the tie in the seventh, this time on a two-out, two-run single by Jeff Corsaletti.

The PawSox scattered 10 hits, with Joe Thurston collecting three and Corsaletti two. Seven Pawtucket batters had at least one hit.

The PawSox received a strong outing on the mound out of Eric Hull, who was called to make the start in place of Davern Hansack. Hull pitched five innings, giving up two runs on five hits. He struck out seven and did not walk a batter.

Jose Vaquaedano (4-1) earned the win in relief, working an 1 2/3 innings. Jon Switzer and Kyle Snyder closed out the game in scoreless fashion with Snyder picking up his first save of the season.

Left Brian Mazzone put together a solid outing for the Iron Pigs, although not figuring in the decision. He too pitched five innings, yielding two runs on five hits. He walked two and struck out seven. Les Walrond (5-8) took the loss in relief.

The PawSox are now an amazing 11-1 against the Iron Pigs this season. The pair play game three of their four game series tonight (7:05 pm). Bartolo Colon (2-1) makes another rehab start for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by J.A. Happ (8-6) for Lehigh Valley.

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PawSox Strike Late, Take Out Iron Pigs

The Pawtucket Red Sox scored all their runs over the last three innings, overcoming an early deficit to beat the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, 8-5 yesterday in Allentown, PA.

The PawSox were held in check over the first six innings of the game by the masterful pitching of LHV starter Carlos Carrasco. Pawtucket finally broke the string by scoring two unearned runs off Carrasco in the seventh on a ground out by Joe Thurston and a single by Jason Lane.

The PawSox took the lead with four runs in the eighth, all against Iron Pigs reliever Travis Blackley (5-10). The big hit in the inning was Jonathan Van Every's three-run double to center. Van Every would score two batters later on Thurston's RBI single up the middle.

Pawtucket added two runs in the ninth on a Keith Ginter sacrifice fly and a Gil Velazquez RBI triple.

The PawSox banged out 11 hits in the game, with Lane, George Kottaras, and Velazquez collecting two each.

Charlie Zink (14-5) started the game for the PawSox, and despite giving up all five Lehigh Valley runs (four were earned), he pitched long enough to earn the win. Zink threw seven innings, scattering five hits while walking three and striking out two. He did surrender a solo home run to 3B Mike Cervenak in the third inning.

Lincoln Holdzkom and Hunter Jones pitched the final two inning without giving up a run. Jones earned his eighth save of the season.

With the win the PawSox snapped a two game losing streak. They are currently 1-2 on this six game road trip with game two with the Iron Pigs set for tonight (7:05 pm). Davern Hansack (6-10) returns to action to pitch for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by lefty Brian Mazzone for the Iron Pigs.

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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.

Game 91- Iron Pigs vs. PawSox, July 5, 2008

The PawSox and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs finish their brief two-game set tonight (6:05pm) at McCoy. LHP Travis Blackley (3-5, 4.46) throws for Lehigh Valley. He'll be opposed by Pawtucket RHP Clay Buchholz (4-1, 1.63).

I am away from McCoy for the finale of the home stand...So only time for a brief preview..

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (34-55)

The Iron Pigs began their inaugural campaign at 0-11. They have recovered, but are still tied with Norfolk for the worst record in the International League.

Blackley makes his 15th start of 2008. He was charged with a loss his last two outings, giving up a total of 5 runs over 13 innings.

Pawtucket Red Sox (57-33)

The PawSox come in winners of two straight and 13 of their last 15. More importantly they are a perfect 9-0 against the Iron Pigs this season.

Buchholz enters tonight arguably the hottest pitcher in the league. He is 4-0 in his last four starts, with a microscopic 0.40 ERA. Over those four games he has struck out 24 while walking only 5. He defeated the Iron Pigs on June 14th, working six innings and giving up only one unearned run.

Fireworks again after the game. Enjoy!

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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2008 IL Preview- Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs

The Philadelphia Phillies begin the 2008 season with a new Triple A affiliate. The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs begin play in a brand new stadium built in Allentown, PA.

The team's name comes from the reference to pig iron, which is used in the manufacturing of steel, a world-renowned industry in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania.

The Iron Pigs are in Pawtucket for a four game series this week with the PawSox. It's been tough going for the team as they've started the season 0-6.

Here is a look at the Iron Pigs with Jeff Shuler, Lehigh Valley beat reporter from The Morning Call in Allentown.

PawSox Shut Down Iron Pigs 4-1

PAWTUCKET- The Pawtucket Red Sox got a strong pitching performance from fill-in starter Chris Smith and took advantage of some sloppy pitching in defeating the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, 4-1 this afternoon at McCoy Stadium.

Smith, brought up from Portland to start in place of the ailing Bartolo Colon, was impressive in his four innings of work, giving up only two hits while striking out seven and walking one. He threw 75 pitches, 49 for strikes. Because of weather delays in Portland and the Colon injury, this was Smith’s first start of the year.

“I got ahead with the fastball and then when they thought fastballs were coming I’d throw in the change-ups.” Smith said, “I kept them off balance.”

“I expected him to pitch well and he didn’t let me down” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson of Smith, “He has a lot of ability.”

The PawSox were led at the plate once again by outfielder Chris Carter. He raised his batting average to .500, going two for two with two walks and one RBI. The left-handed hitter is also the only PawSox player to get at least one hit in each of the team’s first six games. His hits came off Iron Pigs’ lefty starter J.A. Happ.

“With lefties I focus on staying on top of the plate” Carter said, “I stay back. A lot of pitchers try to go sliders away and I try to drive it to left field. It’s a big part of my game”

The PawSox got on the board in the bottom of the second. Carter led off the inning with a double down the left field line. Brandon Moss and Bobby Kielty both walked to load the bases with no one out. After Jeff Bailey struck out swinging, Dusty Brown drove home Carter with a sacrifice fly to right. The relay to the plate was cut-off and Moss was caught off third, ending the inning and the rally.

The PawSox cashed in again in the third. With one out Joe Thurston singled to right. Following a Keith Ginter strikeout and a Thurston steal of second, Jed Lowrie walked. Carter then got his second hit of the game, an RBI single to center, scoring Thurston.

The PawSox tacked on their third run in the fifth as the Iron Pigs; pitching staff hand trouble finding the strike zone. Keith Ginter led off the inning with a single to left and was erased as Jed Lowrie reached on a fielder’s choice. Carter walked,. Moss struck out, and Kielty walked to load the bases. After Happ was relieved by Joe Bisenius, Bailey walked to force in a run. Brown struck out looking to end the inning.

The PawSox scratched home their final run in the seventh. Lowrie led off with a triple to right center. After another Carter walk and a Moss strikeout, Bobby Kielty drove home Lowrie with a sacrifice fly to left center.

The Iron Pigs scored their only run in the top of the fifth courtesy of a solo homer by 2B Casey Smith, his first of the season.

Happ took the loss the for Iron Pigs to drop his record to 0-2. PawSox lefty Abe Alvarez pitched a solid two and a third innings of relief to pick-up the win for the Pawtucket, his first of the season.

The PawSox and Iron Pigs resume their series tomorrow night at 6:15pm. The PawSox will send RHP Charlie Zink (0-1, 12.00 ERA) to the mound against the Iron Pigs’ RHP Ron Chiavacci (0-0, 1.50 ERA)

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PawSox Overtake Iron Pigs 9-3

The Pawtucket Red Sox' bats came alive in the middle innings as they dispatched the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs 9-3 last night at McCoy.

The PawSox fell behind in the top of the fourth as Iron Pigs' 3B Brennan King King belted a two run homer to left off RHP Michael Tejera. The PawSox got one back in the fifth when RF Bobby Kielty belted his first homer of the season, a solo shot to right to make it 2-1.

After the Iron Pigs added a run in the top of the sixth on C Jason Jaramillo's solo homer, the PawSox opened it up in the bottom of the frame off starter Travis Blackley. 2B Joe Thurston led off with a single and 3B Keith Ginter reached after being hit by a pitch. After SS Jed Lowrie singled to load the bases, OF Chris Carter doubled to right, scoring all three PawSox runners.

The inning was far from over. Now facing reliever Jason Anderson, OF Brandon Moss struck out. Kielty was then hit by a pitch and Jeff Bailey walked to load the bases again. C George Kottaras also received a free pass to force in Carter. After the Iron Pigs put in LHP Vic Darensbourg, OF Jonathan Van Every laced a single to right, scoring Kielty and Bailey to cap off the 6 run barrage.

The Iron Pigs' shaky pitching resulted in two more PawSox runs in the seventh as reliever John Ennis walked three in the inning, two with the bases loaded.

Chris Carter again had the hot bat for the PawSox, extending his hitting streak to five games and driving in three runs.

RHP Lincoln Holdzkom pitched an inning and a third of scoreless relief to get the win. Blackley took the loss for the Iron Pigs.

Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin made the start for Pawtucket as part of his rehab assignment following the removal of stitches to repair a cut in his right hand. Timlin threw one inning, gave up two hits, no runs, he struck out one and did not walk a batter. He is expected to pitch another inning in Pawtucket on Wednesday.

The PawSox play a 12:05pm matinee today with RHP Chris Smith on the mound for Pawtucket (replacing Bartolo Colon). He'll be opposed by LHP J.A. Happ for Lehigh Valley.

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Game 5- Iron Pigs Vs. PawSox, April 7, 2008

The International League's newest franchise, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, make their debut at McCoy Stadium with the first of four games against the PawSox.

I will not be at tonight's game, but here are some notes for those of you who are able to attend...

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (0-4)

The Iron Pigs are still looking for their first first win after relocating in the off season from Ottawa.

Tonight's starter for Lehigh Valley is LHP Travis Blackley. Blackley spent most of last season in the Giants organization, earning a 10-8 record with a 4.66 ERA with the Fresno Grizzlies.

OF Brandon Wilson is the only Iron Pig to his safely in all four games this season. Through four games he is batting .313.

Pawtucket Red Sox (2-2)

The PawSox will have two starters going tonight. Mike Timlin is in town on a rehab assignment and will likely pitch only the first inning of the game. LHP Michael Tejera is expected to spell Timlin in the second. Tejera spent 2007 with Indianapolis where he was 8-5 with a 3.90 ERA

Offensively, OF Chris Carter has a four game hit streak and is hitting .462. 1B Brandon Moss is also off to a solid start, batting .364 through four games. SS Jed Lowrie finally got his first hit of the season yesterday.

Last season the PawSox were 9-6 against Ottawa, going 5-3 at McCoy and 4-3 on the road.

In case you haven't heard, RHP Bartolo Colon was placed on the 7 day disabled list due to a strained right oblique. He will report to Boston tomorrow to undergo tests. Timlin took his spot on the roster today. RHP Chris Smith is expected to be called up from Portland tomorrow to take Colon's spot in the rotation.

More at game's end.

PawSox Lose Finale 5-4

The PawSox dug themselves a hole early and their ninth inning rally came up short as they fell to the Indianapolis Indians 5-4 in the finale of their series this afternoon at McCoy.

Davern Hansack was not sharp in his 2008 debut, giving up four runs in four innings to earn the loss. The Indians were paced by 2B Luis Ordaz who went 2 for 4 with a homer and three RBI.

Offensively for Pawtucket, Chris Carter has now hit safely in all four of the PawSox' games, tagging a double in the third. Brando Moss is also hot to start the season, driving in two of the PawSox' four runs.

Pawtucket begins a four game home series against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs beginning tomorrow night at 6:15pm. Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin will make the start as part of his rehab assignment with the PawSox.

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