PawSox Lose to Wings, Still Gain Playoff Berth

For the first time since 2003 the Pawtucket Red Sox will be playing in the Governor's Cup Playoffs.

The PawSox lost last night's game to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3, but secured the playoff spot as a result of Toledo's 6-1 loss to Richmond.

Last night's game was a tough one for Pawtucket to lose, as they saw an early 3-0 lead evaporate when Rochester scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh. PawSox starter Michael Bowden began the frame by allowing a double to left by LF Bobby Kielty. Two batters later SS Trevor Plouffe knocked in Kielty with a single to center. Kyle Snyder replaced Bowden and served up a two run homer to 2B Matt Macri, costing Bowden a chance for his first Triple A win.

The PawSox broke out of the gate fast in this game, scoring a pair of runs in the first on a Jason Lane two-run homer and another in the second on an RBI single by Josh Wilson.

For the game the PawSox collected 7 hits. Jeff Corsaletti had three of them, including a triple. Wilson added two. Plouffe and Macri added two hits each for the Wings.

Bowden again pitched well but did not figure in the decision. He gave up three runs on six hits in his 6 1/3 innings of work. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. Snyder (1-4) was saddled with the loss.

Rochester starter Brian Bass made his Red Wings debut, going four innings, giving up three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out three. Mariano Gomez (5-2) picked-up the win in relief.

The PawSox now head to Allentown, PA to begin a four game series this evening (5:35 pm) with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Charlie Zink (13-5) will pitch for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Carlos Carrasco (1-2) for the Iron Pigs.

NOTES- Scranton/Wilkes Barre defeated Lehigh Valley 4-0 last night and have extended its lead in the IL North Division over the PawSox to 3 1/2 games. The chances of the PawSox taking the division crown are slipping away as the Pawtucket has only 8 games remaining to play.

David Pauley has been promoted to Boston following the placement of reliever David Aardsma on the 15-day disabled list. No word on who in the PawSox staff will assume Pauley's next start in the rotation.

PawSox outfielder Jonathan Van Every returned to the line-up yesterday after missing the last three games with a stiff neck. In his first game back Van Every went 0 for 2 with a walk.


BOX SCORE

Wings Top PawSox 5-1

The PawSox will have to wait at least one more day before they can celebrate clinching a playoff berth.

Rochester starter Phillip Humber kept the PawSox bats in check, throwing a complete game five hitter as the Red Wings beat the PawSox 5-1 last night at Frontier Field.

With the Toledo Mud Hen's victory, the PawSox' magic number to clinch a playoff spot in the International League playoffs remains at one. They also now trail Scranton/Wilkes Barre by 2 1/2 games in the IL North Division.

In going the distance Humber (9-8) struck out eight and walked no one. The only PawSox run against him came on newly acquired catcher David Ross' solo home run in the fourth.

Offensively the Red Wings got all the runs they needed in the third when they scored four runs off PawSox starter Edgar Martinez (7-3). With one out DH Alejandro Machado reached on a single and advanced to second on a ground out by RF Howie Clark. 1B Garrett Jones knocked in Machado with a single to right. After LF Bobby Kielty walked, 3B Luke Hughes cleared the bases with a double to center. Hughes scored one batter later as SS Trevor Plouffe lined an RBI single to left.

Jones added another run in the fifth by belting a solo homer to left, his 21st of the season, off PawSox reliever Beau Vaughan.

Martinez pitched only 3 1/3 innings giving up four runs on five hits. He walked three and struck out three. Despite giving up the homer to Jones Vaughan pitched well, throwing 3 2/3 innings yielding only one hit. He struck out three and walked no one. Marcus McBeth struck out two batters in pitching a scoreless eighth inning.

Both Ross for Pawtucket and Jones for the Wings led their teams with two hits each.

The PawSox did commit three errors in the game, but none of of them contributed in any great way to the Red Wings' runs.

The two teams close out their brief two game series tonight (7:05 pm). Michael Bowden (0-3) still seeks his first Triple A win for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Brian Bass, making his debut for the Red Wings.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Come Back Again

Outfielder Jeff Corsaletti belted a walk-off solo home run in the bottom of the ninth to lead the PawSox to a 8-7 victory over the Rochester Red Wings. It's the second night in a row Pawtucket erased a Rochester lead and earned the win in their last at bat.

Pawtucket found themselves trailing 7-1 entering the bottom of the eighth with little momentum going its way. By the end of the eighth the game was tied 7-7.

With one out and Rochester reliever Julio DePaula on the mound, Chris Carter (#24) and George Kottaras (#20) belted back-to-back homers. Dusty Brown then reached on an error by Wings' third baseman Luke Hughes. Corsaletti pinch hit for Sean Danielson and singled to center, advancing Brown to second. After Rochester brought in Tim Lahey to relieve to DePaula, Gil Velazquez belted a three-run homer to left, cutting the deficit to one. The Wings' second error of the inning, this time by second baseman Trevor Plouffe, but Jonathan Van Every on second. Two batters later Keith Ginter drove in the tying run with a RBI single to left off Rochester reliever Casey Daigle.

PawSox starter Edgar Martinez did not pitch poorly, but was the victim of three Rochester homers, back-to-back shots by Alejandro Machado and Howie Clark in the third, and one by Matt Macri in the fourth. Overall Martinez worked seven innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on five hits. He walked two and struck out seven.

Michael Tejera came in to pitch the eighth and gave up three Rochester on three hits in only 1/3 of an inning. Jose Vaquadano finished the eighth. Hunter Jones (7-2) pitched a scoreless ninth and earned the win.

Rochester starter Tom Shearn made his Red Wings debut and pitched well, giving up only one run, a Brown solo homer in the fifth. He surrendered three hits while walking two and striking out five. Daigle (1-5) gave up Corsaletti's game winning homer and suffered the loss.

Corsaletti and Ginter were the only PawSox to collect two hits. Jason Pridie, Machado, and Hughes had two hits each for Rochester.

With the win the PawSox remain a 1/2 on top in the IL North over the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees. A lot could change beginning tonight (6:05 pm) as the PawSox and Yankees begin the first of six straight games. The first two will be played at McCoy. Alan Horne (2-3) throws for the Yankees in game one. He'll be opposed by Davern Hansack (5-9) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Come From Behind to Nip Wings 7-6

PAWTUCKET- George Kottaras knocked in the winning run with a single in the bottom of the ninth as the PawSox scored twice in the frame to overtake the Rochester Red Wings, 7-6 tonight at McCoy.

The win keeps Pawtucket a ½ ahead of Scranton/Wilkes Barre in the IL North Division. The PawSox have been in sole possession of first place since June 20^th.

The PawSox trailed 6-5 entering the bottom of the ninth after the Red Wings broke-up a 5-5 tie in the top of the inning on an RBI single by LF Garrett Jones.

Jeff Bailey led off the PawSox ninth with a walk off Rochester closer Bobby Korecky (5-4). He was forced at second on Jeff Natale’s fielder’s choice. After Keith Ginter reached after being hit by a pitch, the PawSox tied the game at 6-6 when Rochester first baseman Matt Macri committed an error on a force out throw to second base. Kottaras then grounded a 2-1 pitch to right driving in the winning run.

“It always feels good to do that” said Kottaras, “We were put in that situation…they made an error…and as an opposing team you try to capitalize on that.”

The game featured the McCoy debut of Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden. Unfortunately Bowden did not have the outing he had hoped. The young right-hander gave up 5 runs on 9 hits over 5 2/3 innings of work and did not figure in the decision. Five of Bowden’s nine hits were for extra bases, among them two solo homers, to Wings’ 1B Randy Ruiz in the second and to C Ryan Jorgensen in the fifth.

“He was elevated tonight with his stuff” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “Your margin for error becomes much smaller.”

On the plus side Bowden struck out 6 and walked no one. Bowden has not given up a walk in 15 2/3 innings of work so far in his Triple-A career.

“He was pitch efficient” said Johnson, “When you have someone who has that feel and composure, it’s really impressive.”

The PawSox got off to a hot start, tagging Rochester starter Carmen Cali with three runs in the first. Bailey led off the game with a double to left center. After he advanced to third on Natale’s ground out to third, Ginter drove him in with a line drive single to left. Chris Carter followed with a two run homer to right. It was Carter’s 23^rd of the season.

Pawtucket scored their fourth run in the second on another Bailey double and an RBI single by Natale.

The PawSox tied the game at 5-5 in the seventh off Rochester reliever Mariano Gomez on a two-out single center by George Kottaras.

Bailey ended the game going 3 for 4 with two doubles and two runs scored. Kottaras and RF Sean Danielson added two hits apiece for Pawtucket.

Ruiz was 3 for 4 with three RBI’s to pace the Red Wings. Jones and RF Howie Clark chipped in with two hits each.

Lincoln Holzkom relieved Bowden and pitched well, working 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball, giving up one hit while walking two and striking out one. Despite giving up the go-ahead run in the ninth, Jon Switzer picked up the win to improve to 5-1.

The two clubs wrap-up their four game series tomorrow night (7:05 pm). LHP Francisco Liriano (10-2, 3.28 ERA) throws for the Red Wings. He’ll be opposed by RHP Edgar Martinez (5-2, 4.09 ERA) for the PawSox.

NOTES: The PawSox will soon have a great opportunity to solidify their place in the pennant race. After tomorrow’s game with the Red Wings, the PawSox play six straight against the Yankees. The first two games will be played Saturday and Sunday at McCoy, then the next four will be played in Mossic, PA.

With tonight’s win the PawSox have their fourth consecutive winning month. They finished July 15-12. That comes off the heels of a 15-12 April, a 19-11 May and a 20-9 June.

Casey Daigle pitched tonight for Rochester. His family was in attendance tonight at McCoy. Why bring this up? Because as much as Daigle is looking for a future in the Big Leagues, his wife has already accomplished much on the diamond. His wife...U.S. Women's softball star pitcher Jennie Finch.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Win In Ninth 7-6

The PawSox scored two runs in the bottom of the ninth to nip the Rochester Red Wings tonight 7-6. More to come soon...

Red Wings Overtake PawSox in the Sixth 5-4

The Rochester Red Wings have gotten to PawSox starter Michael Bowden as they lead Pawtucket 5-4 through six innings.

The Wings got a solo homer from C Ryan Jorgensen in the top of the fifth and added four hits and two runs of Bowden in the sixth.

Bowden was replaced in the sixth by Lincoln Holdzkom.

PawSox Still Lead Wings, 4-2 After Four Innings

The PawSox still lead the Rochester Red Wings, 4-2 after four innings tonight at McCoy.

The Red Wings got their second run off PawSox starter Michael Bowden in the fourth on an RBI single by Randy Ruiz, his second of the game. Through four Bowden has thrown 44 pitches, 34 for strikes.

PawSox Lead Wings 4-1 After Two

The PawSox lead the Rochester Red Wings, 4-1 after two innings tonight at McCoy

Pawtucket scored three runs in the bottom of the first on an RBI single by Keith Ginter and a two run homer by Chris Carter. The homer was Carter's 23rd of the season.

They added a run in the second on an RBI single by Jeff Natale. Jeff Bailey has two doubles in two innings for Pawtucket.

PawSox starter Michael Bowden has made only one mistake through two innings, surrendering a solo homer to right to Rochester 1B Randy Ruiz. Through two Bowden has thrown 23 pitches, 17 for strikes.

Game 113- Red Wings vs. PawSox, July 31, 2008

See my previous post on the Moss trade...

It's the last day of July, and the PawSox hope to end the month on a high note as they take on the Rochester Red Wings again tonight (7:05 pm) in game three of their four game series at McCoy. LHP Carmen Cali (5-0, 3.40) gets the ball for the Red Wings. RHP Michael Bowden (0-2, 3.60) will make his home debut for Pawtucket.

I am in the press box for tonight's contest...Here is a preview...

Rochester Red Wings (53-60)

LINE-UP

Jason Pridie CF
Alejandro Machado DH
Howie Clark RF
Garrett Jones LF
Randy Ruiz 1B
Matt Macri SS
Jeff Hughes 3B
Trevor Plouffe 2B
Ryan Jorgensen C

Cali makes only his second start of the season for the Red Wings. In his first outing last Saturday against Scranton/Wilkes Barre Cali did not figure in the decision giving up two runs on four hits over five innings. Prior to last week Cali made 40 relief appearances for Rochester going 5-0 and earning two saves.

Pawtucket Red Sox (68-44)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B
Jeff Natale 2B
Keith Ginter 3B
Chris Carter DH
George Kottaras C
Sean Danielson RF
Jeff Corsaletti LF
Gil Velazquez SS
Jonathan Van Every CF

The trade of Moss obviously dominated the news from the clubhouse before the game. Moss had been penciled in the PawSox line-up, batting third and playing first base. Manager Ron Johnson had to make a line-up change, moving Ginter to the third spot, moving Bailey to first and adding Corsaletti to left, batting sixth.

Bowden makes his third Triple-A start tonight. Even though he suffered the loss in his first two outings, he has not pitched poorly. In his last outing Saturday at Toledo Bowden gave up only one earned run in the Mud Hens' 1-0 victory. He worked six innings in that game, yielding six hits. he struck out three and walked no one.

More pre-game notes soon...Also, check back for game updates throughout the night.

Red Wings Get the Best of PawSox 8-3

Chalk it up to being just one of those games.

The Rochester Red Wings were able to take advantage of some shaky PawSox pitching and sloppy defense on their way to a 8-3 victory this afternoon at a sold-out McCoy Stadium.

The way the game started, it looked like it would be the PawSox that would dominate the game, given the fact that they scored two early runs off Rochester starter Anthony Swarzak making his Triple-A debut. Jeff Bailey led the inning with a walk and reached second when shortstop Matt Macri could not handle a relay throw from second baseman Alejandro Machado. After Brandon Moss lined out to right, Chris Carter followed with an RBI single, also to right. Dusty Brown then drove in Pawtucket's second run with a sacrifice fly to center.

After the first Swarzak settled down, giving up only one more run on a solo homer by Jeff Natale in the fifth. Swarzak (1-0) pitched five innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits. He walked three and struck out two to earn the win. Relievers Julio DePaula and Bobby Korecky pitched the final four innings in scoreless fashion.

The PawSox pitching staff did not fare as well. Starter David Pauley (12-4) proved ineffective in his five innings on the mound. He gave up four runs (two earned) on six hits. He walked one and struck out four. He also surrendered a solo homer to Randy Ruiz in the top of the fourth.

Pawtucket relievers Micheal Tejera and Eric Hull each gave up two runs in their stints on the mound. Tejera's runs came courtesy of a two-run homer by Garret Jones in the seventh.

The usually solid Pawtucket defense proved to be anything but this afternoon. The PawSox committed two errors which led to two unearned runs.

Jones ended the day going 2 for 5 with 3 RBI's. Former PawSox Machado went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored.

Keith Ginter led all PawSox batters with two hits in four plate appearances.

Game three of the series will be tomorrow night (7:05pm). Carmen Cali (5-0) starts for Rochester. He'll be opposed by Michael Bowden (0-2), who will be making his PawSox McCoy debut.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Return Home With A Win

Shortstop Gil Velazquez went 3 for 3 with a double, homer, and 2 RBI's while starter Charlie Zink improved to an IL best 13-3 in the PawSox 5-3 win last night over the Rochester Red Wings before another packed house at McCoy.

Velazquez, a former member of the Red Wings, notched his sixth home run of the season in the bottom of the fifth and added an RBI single in the PawSox three-run seventh. He came close to driving in a another run in the bottom of the second on a double to right but Keith Ginter was thrown out at the plate.

Zink was in control of the Rochester batting order with the exception of giving up three runs in the third. He finished pitching seven innings, yielding nine hits, walking one and striking out two. Jon Switzer and Chris Smith followed Zink to the mound and pitched two perfect innings. Smith notched his 13th save.

Jeff Bailey added to Velazquez offensive performance by going 2 for 4 with a double and a run driven in. Chris Carter also added two hits in four at bats to raise his average to an even .300 for the season. Jonathan Van Every belted a triple and drove in a run.

Jason Pridie, Alejandro Machado, and Randy Ruiz had two hits apiece for the Red Wings.

Rochester starter Kevin Mulvey worked 6 1/3 innings, giving up three runs on six hits but did not figure in the decision. Reliever Ricky Barrett (3-5) gave-up the go ahead runs in the seventh and was credited with the loss.

The two teams play a rare, mid-week matinee game this afternoon (12:05pm) at McCoy. Anthony Swarzak makes his Triple A debut for Rochester, opposed by David Pauley (12-3) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

Game 111- Red Wings vs. PawSox, July 29, 2008

The PawSox return home tonight (7:05 pm) to begin a six game home stand with the first of four games against the Rochester Red Wings. Kevin Mulvey (4-8, 3.87 ERA) will pitch for Rochester. He'll be opposed by Charlie Zink (12-3, 2.70 ERA) for the PawSox.

Unfortunately I will not be at the game tonight...but here is a brief overview...

Rochester Red Wings (52-59)

The Red Wings enter the game in fourth place in the IL North, 15 1/2 games behind the PawSox. They have won two in a row, splitting a four-game series with the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees.

Mulvey makes his 21st start of the season. He won his last outing last Thursday against Toledo. In that game he threw five innings giving up one run on four hits. He last faced the PawSox on June 28th, failing to earn the decision in Rochester's 8-6 win.

Pawtucket Red Sox (67-43)

Pawtucket enters the game after a 4-4 road trip against Columbus and Toledo. They still have the best record in the International League, 1 1/2 games on top of Scranton in the IL North. The PawSox hold an 7-3 edge over the Red Wings this season.

Zink takes the mound for the 23rd time tonight. He rebounded from a poor game against the Toledo Mud Hens to earn the win last Thursday at Columbus. He pitched six innings giving up four runs on eight hits. Zink has collected a decision in his last five outings, going 4-1 over that span.

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

Buchholz, PawSox, Handle Red Wings 11-1

PAWTUCKET- Red Sox starter Clay Buchholz was solid in his first rehab start for the PawSox, one of many positive signs to come out of Pawtucket’s 11-1 win over the Rochester Red Wings tonight before a sellout crowd at McCoy.

Buchholz felt good following his outing, the first since being placed on the 15-day DL with a broken nail on the middle figner of his right hand, suffered in a start May 12th at Minnesota.

“I felt good. I felt rested.” Buchholz said, “I got up in the zone early, was able to throw lower later. Overall it was a good game for me.”

Buchholz led off the game by walking Chris Basak. He was helped out by catcher Dusty Brown who threw Bsask out trying to steal second. Buchholz then settled down, getting Tommy Watkins to ground out to third and striking out Sergio Santos swinging.

In the second Buchholz got Brian Buscher to pop to short to start the inning. He then gave up a walk to Darnell McDonald. He finished the inning by forcing Garrett Jones to fly to tight and Randy Ruiz to pop up to the catcher.

Buchholz gave up a run in the third. With one out Jason Pridie laced a triple to right center. Basak drove him in with a single to right but was picked off trying to stretch the hit into a double.

Buchholz retired the side in order in the fourth striking out Santos and McDonald.

“After the fourth inning he had ten pitches left and he said, ‘let me use them.’’ said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “So it means he was feeling pretty good out there.”

Buchholz’ last batter was Garrett Jones, who led off the fifth with a double down the right field line. Hunter Jones came in to relieve Buchholz, retiring the side stranding Jones at second. Buchholz finished the game throwing 63 pitches, 38 for strikes. He gave up three hits, walking two and striking out three.

Buchholz’ future is still up in the air. He is scheduled to pitch again for Pawtucket Friday in Durham. It will be up to the Red Sox whether Buchholz will soon be returning to Boston or remain with the PawSox. The return of Bartolo Colon to the Boston rotation may go a long way in determining Buchholz’ fate.

“If I gotta stay (in Pawtucket) a little longer, so be it. I’ll be ready to go whenever they give me the call” Buchholz said.

The PawSox offense continues to thrive at home, banging out 11 hits. Chris Carter, Brandon Moss, Gil Velazquez, and Sean Danielson had two hits each for Pawtucket. Carter, Moss, and Dusty Brown homered. Brown and Danielson drove in three runs apiece.

The PawSox scored two runs in the bottom of the first on Carter’s sixth homer of the season, a two-run shot.

The PawSox scored two more runs run in the fourth. With one out Chad Spann struck out but made it all the way to second on a wild pitch by Brian Duensing. After Velazquez reached on an infield hit, Spann scored on a fielder's choice by Danielson. Danielson stole second and was driven home on a double to right center by Jeff Bailey.

Pawtucket scored four more times in the fifth, on a two run homer by Moss and a two-out, two run double by Danielson.

They added three more in the sixth on a three-run homer run onto the roof of the center field concession stand by Brown.

The PawSox are alone in second place in the IL North, one game behind Scranton Wilkes/Barre. The Yankees come to McCoy beginning with a holiday matinee (1:05pm) tomorrow. Jeff Karstens (0-1, 5.40 ERA) throws for SWB, opposed by Charlie Zink (5-2, 2.47 ERA) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

Game 51- Red Wings vs. PawSox, May 25, 2008

It's going to be a great night to watch baseball as the PawSox and the Rochester Red Wings complete their 4 game series tonight (6:05pm) at McCoy. The PawSox have taken two of the first three games of this series and will send RHP Clay Buchholz (NR) to the mound against LHP Brian Duensing (2-4, 3.61 ERA) for the Red Wings.

Here is a preview from the press box...

Rochester Red Wings (19-31)

LINE-UP

Chris Basak 1B
Tommy Watkins 2B
Sergio Santos SS
Brian Buscher 3B
Darnell McDonald LF
Garrett Jones RF
Randy Ruiz DH
Jose Morales C
Jason Pridie CF

Duensing makes his 11th start of the season. Last time out he received a no decision in Rochester's 7-6 win over the Syracuse Chiefs. In that game he threw 5 innings, surrendering three runs on six hits. His last decision came on May 4th, a loss at Toledo. His last vistory came on April 24 against Lehigh Valley.

Catcher Jose Morales enters the game with an eight game hitting streak, batting .452 with two doubles and four RBI's over that stretch.

Pawtucket Red Sox (30-20)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey LF
Keith Ginter 2B
Joe Thurston RF
Chris Carter DH
Brandon Moss 1B
Dusty Brown C
Chad Spann 3B
Gil Velazquez SS
Sean Danielson CF

The PawSox begin the day in second place in the IL North, 1.5 games behind Scranton Wilkes/ Barre. With a win the PawSox be only one game back with the Yankees coming to McCoy for a four game series beginning tomorrow afternoon.

Buchholz begins a 30 day rehab assignment with the PawSox tonight. This will be his first start since he was placed on the 15-day DL with a broken nail on his right middle finger suffered in his start against the Twins May 12th in Minnesota.

Buchholz will be limited to 4 innings or a maximum of 65 pitches.

"There's no expectations." said PawSox Manager Ron. Johnson, "He needs to get in there and get his work in. He's 100% with his finger."

Johnson said after tonight's start he will be re-evaluated by the Red Sox in consultation with the PawSox staff.

Johnson also gave the media an update on the injured PawSox. Relievers Lee Gronkiewicz and Lincoln Holdzkom are making progress although no decisions have been made on their return. Gronkiewicz has been on the disabled list since May 1st with a right forearm strain. Holdzkom was placed on the DL on May 17th with a right bicep strain.

The team is taking it slow with Jed Lowrie, who has been hobbled with a sore left wrist. Johnson said if need be Lowrie could play but will probably be left out of the line-up until the PawSox begins their next road trip in Durham next week.

One lost note from last night's 9-1 win...Jeff Bailey tied a PawSox record earning four walks in one game.

I'm at the game and will provide periodic updates and a complete report at game's end. If you are going to the game...enjoy the weather and the post-game fireworks!

Spann, Pauley Lead PawSox over Red Wings, 9-1

PawSox starter David Pauley won his fourth consecutive start and IF Chad Spann drove in five runs as the PawSox beat the Rochester Red Wings, 9-1, last night at McCoy.

Pawtucket broke up a 1-1 tie late in the game, scoring three runs in the sixth, one in the seventh, and four more in the eighth.

Spann's five RBI's came despite his going only 1 for 3, and that hit being a single. His single drove in two in the eighth. He also collected a fielder's choice RBI in the second, a bases loaded walk in the sixth, and a sacrifice fly in the seventh.

Pauley pitched six innings, allowing only one run on four hits. He walked four and struck out six. He also hit a batter. Eric Hull and Chris Smith pitched three scoreless innings to close out the game.

The PawSox collected 12 hits. Chris Carter had three of them (3 for 4). Joe Thurston (2 for 5), Brandon Moss (2 for 4), and Gil Velazquez (2 for 5) had two hits apiece. All three drove in a run. Jeff Bailey added the other RBI, also on a bases loaded walk.

The two teams wrap-up their four game series tonight (6:05) at McCoy. Clay Buchholz is slated to make a rehab start for Pawtucket. Lefty Brian Duensing will pitch for the Red Wings.

BOX SCORE

Game 50- Red Wings vs. PawSox, May 24, 2008

The PawSox are looking to get back in the win column at home as they play game three of a four game set tonight (6:05pm) against the Rochester Red Wings at McCoy. RHP Kevin Mulvey (2-6, 4.36) will go for the Red Wings against RHP David Pauley (5-2, 3.32) for Pawtucket.

Since I've been away, be patient with me as I provide a preview...

Rochester Red Wings (19-30)

The Red Wings are looking to win back to back games for the first time this month. They last won at least two in a row back on April 26th & 27th. Rochester is just 6-16 thus far for May.

Mulvey is looking to get the Red Wings off to a good start as he makes his 10th start tonight. He has lost his last five starts, giving up 18 runs over 20 innings of work.

The Red Wings look to do a better job batting with runners in scoring position. Over the first six games of this current road trip, Rochester is batting .159 (10 for 63) with runners in scoring position.

Pawtucket Red Sox (29-20)

The PawSox are looking to earn their 30th win of the season in their 50th game for the first time since 2000 if they can win tonight.

Pawtucket still owns the best home record in the IL at 17-7. They have only lost two in a row at home twice all season, the last coming May 5th and 6th against Durham.

The Red Sox officially recalled Brandon Moss and immediately optioned him back to Pawtucket. To make room, Sandy Madera was sent back to Double A Portland.

RHP Cly Buchholz is expected to be sent down for a rehab start tomorrow night.

Pauley enters the game having won three straight starts, with an ERA of only 2.76 over that stretch.

PawSox Take Rubber Game Over Red Wings, 4-2

The Pawtucket Red Sox combined timely hitting and strong pitching to defeat the Rochester Red Wings, 4-2, this afternoon in the final game of their three game set at Frontier Field.

The PawSox were able to open up a 4-0 lead on a Chad Spann sacrifice fly in the second, a two run homer by Jeff Bailey in the third, and a Keith Ginter double in the fifth. Ginter ended the game going 3 for 3 with a pair of doubles.

Knuckleballer Charlie Zink (3-1) once again was effective as the starter for Pawtucket. He pitched 6 innings, giving up 2 runs (1 earned) on four hits. He walked two and struck out two to earn the win.

The Red Wings had a chance to score more than two runs in the sixth off Zink. With runners on second and third and one out and one run in, OF Jason Pridie made a poor base running decision in trying to score from third on a grounder back to Zink. 2B Howie Clark then drove in Rochester's second run with a single. Zink retired DH Randy Ruiz on a fly out to right to end the threat.

RHP Chris Smith came in to pitch the final three innings for Pawtucket to pick-up his first save of the season.

LHP Francisco Liriano (0-1) struggled again for the Red Wings, going 4 1/3 innings, giving up all four runs and taking the loss.

The PawSox head to Syracuse tomorrow night (7:00pm) to begin a four game series with the Chiefs. Davern Hansack (0-3) is slated to start for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

Game 27- PawSox vs. Red Wings, April 30, 2008

The PawSox hope to end the opening month of the season on a high note as they wrap up their three game series with the Rochester Red Wings this afternoon (12:05pm) in Rochester. RHP Charlie Zink (2-1, 3.09) takes the hill for Pawtucket against LHP Francisco Liriano (0-0, 6.75) for the Red Wings.

Here are some brief notes leading up to the game...

Pawtucket Red Sox (14-12)

Zink is coming off another solid outing, a no-decision April 24th against Syracuse. He pitched six innings, giving up only two runs on nine hits.

The PawSox bullpen is looking to rebound after giving up seven runs last night.

Jeff Bailey has been on a tear of late at the plate. he has a hit in 6 of his last 7 games and has raised his average to .292 after last night's 2 for 4 performance.

Rochester Red Wings (13-13)

Liriano will make his second start of the season for the Red Wings. The one-time Twins star lefty has been shaky in his three starts this season with the big club. He lost all three decisions with an ERA of 11.32. His lone Rochester start came on April 8th. He did not get the decision in the Red Wings' 6-5 win over Norfolk. He pitched 4 innings, giving up 3 runs on 5 hits.

IF Randy Ruiz is working a seven game hitting streak. Over that time he is hitting .429 with 5 doubles, a triple, a homer, and 10 RBI's.

It's a safe bet that if you can get by the eighth inning unscathed with Rochester, you are in line for success. The Red Wings have out-scored opponents 24-2 in eighth inning so far this season, including 4 runs off the PawSox last night.

PawSox Relievers Fail to Hold Off Red Wings

The usually solid PawSox relief corps could not hold down the fort, giving up seven runs late as Pawtucket fell to the Rochester Red Wings, 9-3, last night at Frontier Field.

The PawSox were cruising along behind starter Michael Tejera, who left the game with one out in the sixth with a 3-2 lead. The Red Wings scored seven times in the seventh and eight off relievers Eric Hull, Craig Hansen, and Lincoln Holdzkom.

Throughout their barrage, the Red Wings only collected one extra base hit, a two run triple in the eighth by RF Darnell McDonald off Holdzkom. Rochester's three runs in the seventh scored on four singles and two sacrifice flies. Those runs were charged to Hull.

Hansen gave up his first three runs of the season in the eighth on a pair of singles sandwiched around a stolen base. Holdzkom's run also came on a single.

In the early goings of this game it looked like the PawSox were well in command. They scored all three runs in the first on a bases loaded wild pitch by Rochester starter Brian Duensing, a based loaded double play off the bat of Chris Carter, and a single by Keith Ginter. The PawSox scattered hits the rest of the way.

Tejera gave up two runs on six hits striking out five and walking two. Hull (1-2) took the loss in relief.

Duensing settled down after the shaky first, pitching six innings giving up seven hits and striking our four. Reliever Phil Humber (1-3) picked up the win, pitching a scoreless seventh.

The two teams wrap up their three game series this afternoon (12:05pm) as RHP Charlie Zink (2-1, 3.09) throws for Pawtucket against LHP Francisco Liriano (0-0, 6.75) for Rochester.

BOX SCORE

PROJO REPORT

ROCHESTER DEMOCRAT & CHRONICLE REPORT