PawSox Washed Out

Tonight's PawSox game in Richmond became victim to the rain and was canceled. Because the club does not return to Richmond this season, the game will not be made up.

Pawtucket heads to Norfolk to open up a four game series beginning tomorrow night against the Tides.

PawSox/Braves Split Twin Bill

Welcome to the PawSox Blog Mid Atlantic office. As I mentioned I am away on business in DC and thanks to a somewhat stable Internet connection, I'm able to keep you up to date on the PawSox...

The PawSox came close to sweeping tonight's double header with the Richmond Braves, but had to settle for the split. Richmond spoiled a PawSox comeback to win game one 7-6 while Charlie Zink pitched another complete game as Pawtucket took game two 6-1.

Pawtucket was headed toward defeat in game one, down two runs heading into the top of the seventh, when Jonathan Van Every tied the game with a two run homer in the final frame.

PawSox reliever Lincoln Holdzkom could not hold down the Braves in the bottom of the seventh. Scott Thorman led off the inning with a walk and advanced to second on a single to left by Barbaro Canizares. After Diory Hernandez sacrificed both runners with a bunt, the winning run scored as Holdzkom threw a wild pitch, plating Thorman with the game winner.

The PawSox scored five of their six runs in game one via the home run. Along with Van Every's (#22) two-run shot in the seventh, Dusty Brown (#9) added a two-run homer in the fourth and Chris Carter (#19) contributed with a solo homer in the second.

The PawSox decided to use a slew of relievers to work in game one. Jon Switzer started, working three innings, surrendering four runs on seven hits. Michael Tejera threw 2 1/3 innings, giving up two runs. Jose Vaquedano contributed 2/3 of an inning of scoreless ball.

The Pawtucket pen needed a break and Zink gave it to them in game two. Zink pitched his second straight complete game, limiting the Braves to one unearned run on five hits. He walked one and struck out four.

Pawtucket got all the offense they needed by scoring two runs in the third on a sacrifice fly by Jed Lowrie and a fielding error by Thorman at first. They added four insurance runs in the fourth on a two-run single by George Kottaras and a two-run double by Bobby Kielty

Van Every (3 for 6) and Sean Danielson (3 for 7) each had three hits in the twin bill.

The two teams complete their four game series tomorrow night (7:00pm) as Edgar Martinez (3-1) takes the mound for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by Chris Resop (2-0) for the Braves.

NOTES- Justin Masterson joined the PawSox today in Richmond. It's unclear how soon he will see his first action out of the PawSox bullpen.

GAME ONE BOX SCORE
GAME TWO BOX SCORE

Game 93- PawSox vs. Braves, July 7, 2008

The PawSox got off on the right foot on their 8-game Virginia road trip with a 8-5 win last night in Richmond. The two teams will play game two of the four-game set tonight (7:05pm). Edgar Martinez (3-1, 4.26 ERA) goes to the mound for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Francisley Bueno (2-3, 4.60 ERA) for the Braves.

No time for an extensive preview...just a look at the pitchers in tonight's game...

Pawtucket Red Sox (58-34)

Martinez makes his seventh start of the season for the PawSox. He was a bit shaky during his last outing last week against Syracuse. He did not figure in the decision but only threw three innings, giving up four runs on six hits. Martinez did win his previous start, throwing five shut out innings against Rochester on June 27th.

Richmond Braves (40-51)

Bueno makes his tenth start for the Braves tonight. He has made two brief appearances since coming off the disabled list on June 28th. Over that time he threw 5 1/3 innings of scoreless ball surrendering a total of two hits.

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.

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

Game 82- Braves vs. PawSox, June 26, 2008

There's not much to complain about when it comes to the play of the PawSox. They look for the four game sweep tonight (7:05 pm) as they host the Richmond Braves at McCoy. LHP Chuck James (3-2, 1.88) goes for Richmond, opposed by RHP David Pauley (9-2, 3.78) for the PawSox.

I am once again away from the stadium for tonight's game. Here is a brief preview...

Richmond Braves (38-42)

The Braves have been dominated by the PawSox the last few nights and are looking for a little consistency in trying to salvage the final game of the series.

James makes his eighth start of the season, He won his last two starts, giving up a total of four runs in 12 innings of work.

Pawtucket Red Sox (50-31)

The PawSox look to complete the 8-game home stand at 7-1 if they can get the win tonight. They are winners of six straight and hold not only the best record on the International League, but the best mark in all of Triple A baseball.

Pauley, arguably one of the aces of the PawSox staff, makes his 15th start. He won his last outing, pitching seven innings and giving up two runs against Columbus

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

PawSox Handle Braves. 10-1

The PawSox have now won six straight games, taking care of the Richmond Braves, 10-1 tonight at McCoy.

Complete details coming soon.

Buchholz, PawSox in Control After Six Innings

The PawSox lead the Richmond Braves, 8-0, through six innings at McCoy.

George Kottaras belted his second homer of the game to add to the PawSox lead in the bottom of the fifth.

Clay Buchholz continues to shine on the mound. Through six innings he has allowed only three hits. He has struck out five and walked two. He has thrown 74 pitches, 47 for strikes.

PawSox Open Up Their Lead Over the Braves, 7-0 After Four

The PawSox are in control of tonight's game at McCoy, leading the Richmond Braves 7-0 after four innings.

Pawtucket added five runs in the bottom of the fourth on a solo homer down the right field line by George Kottaras,two bases loaded walks to Joe Thurston and Jed Lowrie, and a two-run single by Chris Carter.

Clay Buchholz continues to impress on the mound. He has given up only two hits through four, striking out three and walking one. He has thrown 40 pitches, 25 for strikes.

PawSox Lead Braves, 2-0 After Two

The PawSox have opened up a 2-0 lead on the Richmond Braves after two innings tonight at McCoy.

The PawSox scored their runs in the bottom of the second on an RBI double by Bryan Pritz, scoring Chris Carter and Keith Ginter who led off the inning with a single and double respectively.

Clay Buchholz has been effective through two innings. He has allowed one hit while striking out three. He has also been efficient, throwing only 19 pitches, 14 of them for strikes.

Game 81- Braves vs. PawSox, June 25, 2008

It's game three of a four game set tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy as the PawSox once again host the Richmond Braves. RHP Jerome Gamble (0-1, 4.50) will start for Richmond, while RHP Clay Buchholz (2-1, 2.00) throws for the PawSox.

I have returned to the McCoy Stadium press box for tonight's game. So...here is an in-depth preview...

Richmond Braves (38-41)

LINE-UP

Josh Anderson CF
Carl Loadenthal LF
Jason Perry RF
Barbaro Canizares 1B
Diory Hernandez SS
Mark Jurich DH
Enrique Cruz 3B
Clint Simmons C
Derrick Arnold 2B

Gamble makes his third start for the Braves. He suffered the lost his last time out at Syracuse, giving up two runs on four hits over six innings of work. He has spent a majority of the season at Double A Mississippi where he complied a 1-5 record with a 4.83 ERA.

As a team the Braves are tenth in hitting (.256) and tenth in ERA (4.21)

Barbaro Canizares leads the Braves in hitting (based on at least 200 AB) at .309. Scott Thorman leads the team in homers (12) and RBIs (41)

Pawtucket Red Sox (49-31)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B
Joe Thurston 2b
Jed Lowrie SS
Chris Carter DH
Keith Ginter 3B
George Kottaras C
Bryan Pitz LF
Sean Danielson RF
Jonathan Van Every CF

The PawSox enter the game the hottest team in the International League...having won five straight and 9 out of 10. They are 5-1 on their current 8-game home stand. They continue to have the best overall record in the league and the best at home (29-14).

Buchholz will make his seventh start of the season tonight. He has been spectacular in winning his last two starts, pitching 11 scoreless innings yielding a total of 7 hits. Last week against Columbus Buchholz gave up only one hit, striking out 6 and walking no one. Over his last four starts he has given up only two earned runs in 19 innings pitched.

PawSox Manager Ron Johnson said it was a welcomed site the last two nights that the team had received strong pitching performances from starters Charlie Zink and Davern Hansack, who pitched 8 1/3 and 8 innings respectively.

"It's a good problem to have" said Johnson, "It gives our bullpen some days off."

Johnson also gave the media an update from the medical front. Kyle Snyder, sidelined since June 3rd with a right groin strain, threw a 35 pitch side session with pitching coach Rich Sauveur. All reports are that the session went extremely well.

Equally well was the first batting practice session by OF Bobby Kielty. Out since June 9th with a left oblique strain, Johnson said Kietly looked good and feels great. Both Snyder and Kielty will be re-evaluated by the PawSox training and Red Sox rehab staff before determining the next move on the road to their return.

Offensively the PawSox are atop the league in hitting (.270). They lead the league in runs scored and are second in both homers (104) and RBI's (299)

Ginter enters tonight's game with a five-game hitting streak. He is hitting .333 over that stretch with five doubles and 1 RBI.

George Kottaras has hit safely in 8 of his last 10 games, batting an even .300 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's.

On a side note, Johnson will be managing on the field but also rooting for his alma mater, Fresno State, to take home the title tonight in game three of the College World Series Finals.

Check back for updates every two innings or so and a complete wrap at games' end.

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

Game 80- Braves vs. PawSox, June 24, 2008

The PawSox look to make it five in a row as they face the Richmond Braves again tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy in game two of a four game series. The pitching match-up; LHP Jonathan Rouwenhorst (6-6, 5.50) for Richmond and RHP Devern Hansack (2-8, 5.40) for Pawtucket.

Circumstances again are keeping me at the home base. So, weather permitting, here is a brief look at the game...

Richmond Braves (38-40)

The Braves, losers of last night's extra inning affair, have lost two straight and six of their last ten.

Rouwenhorst makes his 14th start of the season. Last time out he took the loss in a 6-1 contest against the Syracuse Chiefs. He lasted only three innings, giving up three runs on three hits. He did have command issues, walking six and striking out no one.

Pawtucket Red Sox (48-31)

The PawSox, meanwhile, are winners of four in a row, 8 of their last 9, and 10 of their last 12. They remain 1 game up on Scranton for the lead in the IL North Division.

Hansack received a no decision in his last start, a 4-3 loss last Thursday to the Columbus Clippers. Hansack was effective, pitching six scoreless innings and yielding only four hits.

Jeff Bailey looks to continue on his tear at the plate. He has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games, going .427 over that stretch, with 4 doubles, 4 homers, and 9 RBI's

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

Game 79- Braves vs. PawSox, June 23, 2008

The first place Pawtucket Red Sox open up a four game set against the Richmond Braves tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. It's the first meeting between the clubs this season. RHP Brian Lawrence (0-1, 8.10) will start for the Braves, opposed by RHP Charlie Zink (8-2, 2.14) for the PawSox.

I am once again unable to be at the park tonight. Here is a preview nonetheless...

Richmond Braves (38-39)

At one game below .500 the Braves are in second place in the IL South Division, 3 1/2 games behind the Durham Bulls.

Lawrence makes his third start of the season tonight. His lone decision came last week in a loss to the Charlotte Knights. He pitched 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 earned runs on 11 hits.

Pawtucket Red Sox (47-31)

The PawSox enter tonight's contest winners of 7 of their last 8 and 8 out of 10.

Zink looks to continue with his impressive 2008 season. He is coming off a win in his start last Tuesday at Lehigh Valley. In that contest he threw 7 innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits. He has not lost a game since May 5th against Durham.

PawSox players continue to get accolades off the field. OF Jonathan Van Every has been named IL Batter of the Week. He hit .318 with four homers and 8 RBI's over his last six games. Van Every's accomplishment comes one week after Joe Thurston was named IL Batter of the Week last week.