PawSox' Season Ends With Dramtic Extra Inning Loss

Scranton Wilkes/Barre RF Shelly Duncan belted a two-run, walk-off home run in the bottom of the 10th inning to lead the Yankees to a 2-0 win over the Pawtucket Red Sox and advance them to the Governor's Cup Finals. Scranton won the best-of-five series over the PawSox 3 games to 1.

Duncan's blast came on a 1-0 pitch right over the heart of the plate thrown by PawSox right hander Edgar Martinez, who had just entered the game in relief of lefty Hunter Jones. Jones (0-1) took the loss as 2B Bernie Castro led off the inning with a double to left and scored ahead of Duncan.

It was a tough way to end the season for Pawtucket as the team never really was able to get its league leading offense going against a stellar Yankees pitching staff. The PawSox were able to score a total of only 8 runs in the four game series.

This game was a pitcher's duel from the get-go as both PawSox starter Bartolo Colon and Yankees starter Phillip Hughes showed the crowd at PNC Field why they are Major League-caliber pitchers. Colon had his best outing of the season, hurling 7 2/3 scoreless innings giving up only two hits. He struck out three and walked no one. Hughes matched Colon inning for inning, working eight scoreless frames giving up four hits while striking out 11 and also walking no one. Both these right handers should find themselves back with their Major League clubs before the end of the season.

The PawSox saw their best chance to score a run come in the top of the ninth when they had two men on with one out. But Yankees reliever Scott Strickland struck out Chris Carter and forced George Kottaras to ground out to third to end the threat.

Strickland (1-0) also worked a scoreless tenth to earn the win.

The most successful regular season in PawSox history did not carry itself into the playoffs. But Manager Ron Johnson and his club should take satisfaction in that they were able to successfully develop talent for Boston while still put together an entertaining product for the fans at McCoy.

NOTES: The Yankees will square off against the Durham Bulls in the Governor's Cup Finals after the Bulls dispatched the Louisville Bats, 9-1 tonight to win their best of five series 3 games to 1. BOX

BOX SCORE
MILB REPORT
PROJO REPORT
SCRANTON TIMES TRIBUNE REPORT

PawSox, Yankees Rained Out

Tonight's game four of the Governor's Cup playoffs between the PawSox and Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees has been rained out. The game will be played tomorrow at 5:05pm. Bartolo Colon (3-1, 2.27) and Phil Hughes (1-0, 5.90) are still expected to start for Pawtucket and Scranton respectively.

Igawa, Yankees Stymie PawSox

The Pawtucket Red Sox were done in by another solid pitching performance by the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees, falling 6-4 last night in game three of the Governor's Cup opening round playoffs. The Yankees now hold a 2-1 lead in the best-of-five series.

Yankees' ace Kei Igawa (1-0) kept the PawSox offense in check, allowing only two runs (one earned) on five hits in seven innings of work. The lone Pawtucket runs off Igawa came on a two-run single in the fourth by Josh Wilson.

Dusty Brown tagged a two-run homer off Yankees' reliever Steven Jackson in the eighth. But despite cutting the Yankees' lead to two runs, the PawSox were never much of an offensive threat against the Scranton pitching staff.

PawSox starter Adam Mills (0-1) took the loss in his Triple A debut. He worked only 3 1/3 innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on five hits. He struck out three and did not walk a batter. Mills gave up a single run in the first and two more in the second.

The big blow against the PawSox came in the fourth, in the form of a three-run homer to right by 3B Eric Duncan off PawSox reliever Jon Switzer. Two of those runs were charged to Mills.

The PawSox offense was only able to amass a total of six hits. Scranton collected ten, led by Ben Broussard who had three and Nick Green with two.

The PawSox are in a must win situation as game four of the series will be played tonight (7:05 pm) at PNC Field in Moosic, PA. RHP Bartolo Colon (3-1, 2.27) will pitch for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by RHP Phil Hughes (1-0, 5.90) for the Yankees. Rain is in the forcast as tropical storm Hanna heads up the east coast.

NOTES: Game three of he Governor's Cup playoff series between the Louisville Bats and Durham Bulls was postponed last night due to rain. Game three will be played tonight.

BOX SCORE
MILB REPORT
PROJO REPORT
SCRANTON TIMES REPORT

Hansack, Lane Lead PawSox, Series Even

Starter Davern Hansack pitched six innings of hitless ball and OF Jason Lane belted a home run and drove in two runs as the Pawtucket Red Sox beat the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees 3-1 last night, knotting their best-of-five Governor's Cup playoff series at one game apiece.

Hansack (1-0) struck out 8 and walked two during his outing, and was charged with giving up the Scranton run even though he did not yield a hit. Hansack began the top of the fifth by walking SS Nick Green, who advanced to second on a wild pitch. Green would score after advancing on two consecutive ground outs.

The PawSox bullpen did the rest, limiting the Yankees to two hits over the last three innings. Hunter Jones struck out three over the last 1 1/3 innings and picked-up the save.

The PawSox offense was still not up to its season-long standards, but got the job done. Lane drove in Jonathan Van Every with an RBI single in the third. He added a solo homer as insurance in the eighth. OF Jeff Corsaletti contributed a solo home run to right in the bottom of the fourth.

The Yankee pitching staff put together another respectable performance in the loss. Starter Ian Kennedy (0-1) worked seven innings, giving up two runs on five hits. He walked three and struck out five. Reliever Zachary Kroenke gave up Lane's homer in the eighth.

The remainder of the series will be played at PNC Field in Moosic, PA beginning with game three tonight (7:05PM). RHP Adam Mills (NR) will make his debut for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by LHP Kei Igawa (14-6, 3.45) for the Yankees.


BOX SCORE
MILB REPORT
PROJO REPORT
SCRANTON TIMES TRIBUNE REPORT

NOTES: In game two of the other Governor's Cup playoff series, the Louisville Bats showed why they tied for the best record in the league, banging out 24 hits and dominating the Durham Bulls 19-3. That series is also tied at one game apiece with game three tonight in Durham. BOX

Yankees Take Opener 7-1

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees used timely hitting and solid relief pitching to earn a 7-1 victory in game one of the Governor's Cup opening round playoff series against the Pawtucket Red Sox last night at McCoy. The Yankees hold a 1-0 lead in the best-of-five series.

Scranton scored six runs off PawSox starter and IL Pitcher of the Year Charlie Zink (0-1). They scored three runs in the fourth on a Chris Stewart RBI double to center and a two-run homer to left by Justin Christian. The Yankees tacked on three more in the sixth on a Stewart solo homer, a sacrifice fly by Melky Cabrera, and a Juan Miranda RBI single to right.

Scranton added they seventh run in the top of the ninth on a solo homer by Ben Broussard off PawSox reliever Marcus McBeth.

The PawSox offense did collect 8 hits in the ball game but could not take advantage of multiple scoring opportunities, stranding a total of 13 runners on base. Pawtucket's lone run came in the fifth on a solo home run by Gil Velazquez off Yankees starter Chase Wright.

Four Yankees reliever worked to hold the PawSox scoreless over the final 4 2/3 innings of the ballgame. Steven Jackson (1-0) worked 1 1/3 innings to earn the win. Zachary Kroenke, David Robertson, and Scott Strickland combined to pitch the remaining three innings, giving up only two PawSox hits.

Stewart and Eric Duncan each had three hits to lead the Yankees. Christian and Chris Basak chipped in with two apiece. Velazquez and Jeff Natale had two hits each for the PawSox.

A must win game two of the series will be played tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. RHP Ian Kennedy (5-3, 2.35) will pitch for the Yankees. He'll go up against RHP Devern Hansack (6-10, 4.08) for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE
MILB GAME STORY
PROJO REPORT
SCRANTON TIMES TRIBUNE REPORT

NOTES: In the other IL Playoff series, the Durham Bulls blasted three solo homers, enough to shut-out the Louisville Bats 3-0. The Bulls also take a 1-0 lead in their best-of-five series. BOX

Governor's Cup Playoffs- Game One, Yankees vs. PawSox, September 3, 2008

The International League's second season begins tonight as two best of five playoff series gets underway. One of those series kicks-off at McCoy as the PawSox host the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees in game one of the opening round. LHP Chase Wright (2-1, 2.41 ERA) pitches for the Yankees. He'll be opposed by RHP Charlie Zink (14-6, 2.84 ERA) for Pawtucket.

The two teams split their 16 match-ups throughout the regular season, with each club also 4-4 in their respective home stadium. Scranton and Pawtucket last met in the playoffs in 1992 with Scranton winning the opening round series 3 games to 1.

It is with great disappointment that I announce that my work and family schedule is keeping away from the stadium for the two games in Pawtucket. Here is a brief look at the match-up nonetheless...

Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees (88-56)

The Yankees tied with the Louisville Bats for the best record in the International League. It is the third consecutive season that Scranton has ended the year with the league's best mark. Despite their success, Scranton has not gotten past the first round of the playoffs since 2001 and has never captured the IL title.

Manager Dave Miley's squad is an impressive 72-2 when leading after seven innings. The Yankees are also an impressive 26-13 in one-run games.

Pitching has been the Yankees strength, leading the IL in ERA (3.67) and fewest hits allowed (1,171) . Wright made six starts for the Yankees in 2008. He suffered his only loss of the season in his last outing, giving up three runs on seven hits over 6 2/3 innings last Thursday at Buffalo. Wright compiled a 8-2 record for Double A Trenton, with an ERA of 2.96 over 16 starts.

Pawtucket Red Sox (85-58)

The PawSox completed the 2008 season by garnering the most wins in franchise history. This is the first post season appearance for the club since 2003. At 46-26 they tied with Scranton and Rochester for the best home record in the league.

The PawSox have had great balance all season, leading the International League in runs scored (752), while giving up the fewest (579). Pawtucket also led the league with a .983 team fielding percentage.

Zink enters the game as the International League's Pitcher of the Year. He made 28 starts in 2008, with two complete games and one shutout. He also lost his last outing, giving up only one run over eight innings last Friday against Buffalo.

The PawSox will be without their top two power hitters as Jonathan Van Every and league MVP Jeff Bailey have been promoted to Boston. They do have some power with outfielders Chris Carter (24 HR) and Jason Lane (18 HR). IF/OF Joe Thurston brings his .316 season batting average into this series.

Martinez, Pen Stop Yankees, 5-1

Starter Edgar Martinez worked six shutout innings and the PawSox bullpen held its own as the Pawtucket beat the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees last night 5-1 at McCoy. The PawSox are now 1 1/2 games behind SWB in the IL North Division and their magic number to clinch a playoff berth is down to 9 games.

Martinez (7-2), starting in the spot previously occupied by Charlie Zink, gave up only four hits while walking four and striking out two in earning the win. He threw 93 pitches, 53 for strikes.

The PawSox pen also performed well as Beau Vaughan, Hunter Jones, and Eric Hull all pitched one inning. Vaughan was the only pitcher to struggle a bit, giving up four hits and one run in the eighth. That run came on a sacrifice fly by Yankees DH Ben Broussard.

Offensively the PawSox scattered 11 hits with Jeff Bailey (1 RBI), Sandy Madera (homer, 2 RBI), Jeff Corsaletti (2 doubles) and Josh Wilson (2 doubles, RBI) knocking two hits each. Gil Velazquez also added an RBI for Pawtucket.

Yankees starter Alfredo Aceves (1-2) took the loss for SWB. He worked six innings, yielding four runs on eight hits. He walked one and struck out two. Reliever Scott Patterson gave up Madera's long homer (his 8th) to center in the bottom of the eighth.

The PawSox ended with a split of this two game series with Scranton and also ended 8-8 with the Yankees this season. There is a good chance these two teams may meet sometime in the Governor's Cup Playoffs. Stay tuned.

Pawtucket now moves on to a four game road trip beginning tonight (7:00 pm) with the first of two games in Syracuse with the Chiefs. David Pauley (13-4) will throw for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Davis Romero (5-0) for Syracuse.

NOTES: There were a number of player moves yesterday. Pauley was promoted to Boston to fill the roster pot left void with the announcement that Mike Lowell was placed on the disabled list with an oblique strain. After the game Pauley was optioned back to Pawtucket and Jeff Bailey was recalled to Boston.

Also announced was that reliever Lincoln Holdzkom was designated for assignment. Holdzkom was 5-5 with a 5.24 ERA in 33 relief appearances for the PawSox.

I would expect more moves to be announced as the PawSox are now two players under the 24 man roster limit.

BOX SCORE

Yankees Win an Extra Innings Thriller 8-6

PAWTUCKET- I guess this was to be expected between two of the best teams in the International League.

3B Eric Duncan broke up a 6-6 tie with a two run double in the top of the 11th inning to lead the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees to a 8-6 win over the PawSox tonight in what proved to be a classic at McCoy.

With the win the Yankees increased their lead over the PawSox to 2 1/2 games in the IL North Division.

The winning runs came off PawSox reliever Jose Vaquedano (1-1). With one out LF Shelley Duncan walked and advanced to second in a single by DH Ben Broussard. Eric Duncan then laced a 3-1 pitch off the right field wall, scoring the go-ahead runs.

Steven Jackson (3-0) got the win for Scranton.

Entering the tenth at 2-2, the Yankees scored four times off PawSox closer Chris Smith. With one out Broussard reached first after being hit by a pitch and advanced to second on a wild pitch. SS Cody Ransom then drove a 2-2 pitch to center to score Broussard. Smith walked Eric Duncan before C Chad Moeller drove a 0-2 pitch into the PawSox bullpen for a three run homer.

The PawSox never gave up, matching the Yankees’ four spot with four of their own off Yankees closer Scott Strickland. Jeff Corsaletti led off with a lead-off infield single. He scored on a Gil Velazquez double to left. Sean Danielson added an RBI, driving in Velazquez with a single to center. Jeff Bailey then singled to put runners at first and second. Joe Thurston followed with a ground rule double to right, scoring Danielson. After Keith Ginter was hit by a pitch and George Kottaras struck out, Dusty Brown tied the game with a sacrifice fly to center.

"We battled back" said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, "We were in a real good position to win the game. We were down by one with the base loaded (in the tenth), I thought we were going to win this ball game. The effort and desire is something to sit back and salute,"

Both starters, Phil Hughes for the Yankees and Davern Hansack for the PawSox pitched well, but neither figured in the decision. Hughes, on his second rehab start with Scranton for New York, worked 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on three hits. He walked one and struck out four. He reached his pitch limit of 84 pitches, 50 of which were strikes.

Hansack pitched 5 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four, throwing 100 pitches, 64 for strikes.

"(Davern) threw the ball well" said Johnson, "In his last three outings he's faced Scranton. There's no mystery as to what he was throwing. He did a pretty good job"

The Yankees scored first off Hansack in the top of the third. With two out 2B Chris Basak reached second on a double after Jeff Bailey could not finish off a diving catch in right. CF Brett Gardner then drove in Basak on a bouncing ball to third that bounded just over the head of Keith Ginter into short left field.

The Yankees scored another run off Hansack in the fifth, again with two outs. LF Shelley Duncan reached on a single to left and stole second. After John Switzer replaced Hansack, Ben Broussard blooped a single to left plating Duncan.

The PawSox tied the game off Hughes in the sixth. With one out Bailey extended his hitting streak to seven games with a double to left center.. Joe Thurston followed with a walk. With Keith Ginter at the plate, Mark Melancon came on in relief of Hughes and threw a wild pitch advancing the runners to second and third. Ginter then drove in Bailey and Thurston with a two run single to left.

The two teams wrap-up their short two game set tomorrow night (7:05 pm). Alfredo Aceves (1-1, 4.91 ERA) throws for the Yankees. He’ll be opposed by Edgar Martinez (6-2, 4.03 ERA for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Lose an Extra-Inning Thriller 8-6

A loss, but a classic game. PawSox lose 8-6 in 11 innings. Complete wrap soon.

Extra Innings at McCoy

The PawSox and Yankees head to the 10th inning knotted 2-2.

PawSox/Yankees Tied 2-2 After Six

The Yankees scored their second run in the fifth. With two outs Shelley Duncan reached on a single and stole second. He scored one batter later on an RBI single by Ben Broussard.

The PawSox tied the game in the bottom of the sixth on a two-run single by Keith Ginter.

Both starting pitchers are through for the night. Davern Hansack gave up both Scranton runs in his 5 2/3 innings of work.

Phil Hughes gave up only three hits in his 5 1/3 innings on the mound. He was charged with surrendering the two PawSox runs.

Yankees Lead PawSox 1-0 After Four

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees lead the PawSox 1-0 after four innings tonight at McCoy.

The Yankees got on the board off PawSox starter Davern Hansack in the third. With two outs, 2b Chris Basak reached on a double and scored on a single to left by Brett Gardner.

Hansack has pitched fairly well, although many of his outs have been hit hard. He has given up three hits through four innings, walking two and striking out two.

Yankees starter Phil Hughes, on a rehab start for the Yankees, has given up only two hits, striking out four and walking no one through four innings.

PawSox/Yankees Scoreless after Two

The PawSox and Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees are scoreless after two innings tonight at McCoy.

Both PawSox starter Davern Hansack and Yankees starter Phil Hughes have given up one hit each through two innings...

Game 125- Yankees vs. PawSox, August 12, 2008

The PawSox look to snap a two game losing streak, and gain ground in the IL North standings as they play one of a two game set with the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. Phillip Hughes (0-0) is slated to pitch for the Yankees while Davern Hansack (5-10) goes for the PawSox.

I am at the stadium for tonight's game...here is a look at the match-up...

Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees (75-48)

LINE-UP

Brett Gardner CF
Matt Carson RF
Juan Miranda 1B
Shelley Duncan LF
Ben Broussard DH
Cody Ransom SS
Eric Duncan 3B
Chad Moeller C
Chris Basak 2b

Thoughts and prayers from across baseball are going out to Scranton Manager Dave Miley and his family on the news of the tragic death of his son yesterday in Tampa. You can read more here.

PawSox Manager Ron Johnson said the news of Miley's death was a shock.

"It puts things in perspective a little bit. You realize how fragile life is" said Johnson, "It broke my heart. I have five kids, spread out all over the place. It's absolutely devastating."

The Yankees currently sit 1 1/2 games ahead of Pawtucket in the IL North Division. They took over first place when they won four of six games versus the PawSox in a home and home series played out last week.

Hughes makes his second start as part of a rehab assignment with the Yankees. He pitched well in his first outing last week against the PawSox, going 4 2/3 innings giving up one run on three hits. he walked two and struck out two in the no decision.

Pawtucket Red Sox (74-50)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey RF
Joe Thurston LF
Keith Ginter 3B
George Kottaras C
Dusty Brown DH
Josh Wilson 2B
Jeff Corsaletti CF
Gil Velazquez SS
Jeff Natale 1B

After riding the high of winning Saturday's Futures of Fenway game, the PawSox lost the last two games of their series with the Charlotte Knights. The PawSox and Yankees are currently tied 7-7 in games played between the clubs this season. Tomorrow's series finale is the last regular season match-up between the two teams.

Hansack makes his 23rd start of the season tonight and his third straight against the Yankees. He has had two respectable outings against the Yankees, earning a no decision August 2nd at McCoy while losing his last outing August 7th at PNC Field. He pitched seven innings in each start, giving up three and four runs respectively. He combined to walk five and strike out 15.

With the call-up of Charlie Zink to Boston, Edgar Martinez will take Zink's spot in the rotation tomorrow night. Johnson said there are still discussions being had to see if the Red Sox will promote another player to replace Zink's spot on the roster.

In terms of Zink's future in Boston, the news that the Red Sox acquired RHP Paul Byrd from the Indians could signal that Zink's start may be his only stint with the Red Sox.

Check in for game updates throughout the night...

PawSox Fall to Yanks Again, 6-1

The on again, off again, PawSox offense fell off again last night as they could muster only one run on four hits in losing to the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees, 6-1, at PNC Field in Moosic, PA. The PawSox ended their six-game stretch with the Yankees at 2-4 and are 1 1/2 games behind SWB in the IL North Division.

The PawSox were hamstrung once again by strong Yankee pitching, led by starter Phil Hughes who is in Scranton on a rehab assignment from New York. Hughes pitched 4 2/3 innings, giving up one run on three hits. He walked two and struck out two. He gave up the PawSox lone run, a Dusty Brown RBI double in the fourth.

It was then left to the Yankee bullpen to finish the job, which it did. Phil Coke, Steven Jackson, and Michael Melancon pitched the remaining 4 1/3 innings scoreless, giving up only one more Pawtucket hit. Coke (1-2) was credited with the win.

Scranton got all the runs they would need off PawSox starter Davern Hansack (5-10). Ben Broussard belted a two-run homer off Hansack in the second. The Yankees scored two more in the fifth on a Shelly Duncan RBI double and a Broussard fielder's choice. Hansack gave up another in the fifth on a Cody Ransom RBI single.

Hansack worked seven innings, giving up five runs (four earned) on seven hits. He walked two and struck out eight. Michael Tejera gave up the final Scranton run on a Nick Green sacrifice fly in the eighth.

Pawtucket now heads home for a six game home stand, beginning tonight (7:05 pm) with the first of four games against the Charlotte Knights. Charlie Haeger (9-10) will start for Charlotte while Charlie Zink (13-4) throws for the PawSox.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Bats Rebound, Take Out Yankees

One day after being shut out by Yankees' pitching, the PawSox offense broke out, collecting 14 hits in their 11-5 win last night over Scranton/Wilkes Barre at PNC Field. The win puts the PawSox 1/2 behind the Yankees in second place in the IL's North Division.

The Pawtucket offensive attack was well shared, with C George Kottaras and 3B Gil Velazquez leading the way with three hits apiece. DH Dusty Brown and SS Josh Wilson each contributed two hits to the PawSox' cause.

Pawtucket wasted little time scoring off Yankees starter Alfredo Aceves (1-1), knocking in four runs on seven hits off him in the first four innings. The PawSox got one run in the second on a sacrifice fly by Velazquez and cashed in with three in the fourth on a two-run double by Jonathan Van Every followed by a run scoring double by Jeff Bailey.

The PawSox would score two more runs in the sixth on a bases loaded, two-run single by Brown off Yankees' reliever Scott Patterson.

Pawtucket put the game away with a five-run outburst in the ninth. Yankees reliever Scott Strickland began the inning by walking Jeff Corsaletti and hitting Wilson with a pitch. Velazquez drove in Corsaletti with his second double of the game. After Bailey walked and Steven Jackson came in to relieve Strickland, Joe Thurston knocked a two-run double to right. Sean Danielson contributed with an RBI single to center and Kottaras followed with a run scoring double to right.

Equally impressive as the PawSox' offense was the pitching performance of starter Edgar Martinez (6-2). Martinez pitched 5 1/3 innings, giving up 2 runs on 5 hits in earning the win. He struck out four and walked two. Jon Switzer replaced Martinez and threw 2 2/3 innings of scoreless relief. Hunter Jones did struggle in the ninth, giving up three runs on three hits with the big blow coming on a two-run homer by the Yankees' Nick Green.

The two teams will wrap-up their four game series and their six-game stretch tonight (7:00 pm) Davern Hansack (5-9) will pitch for Pawtucket. Yankees starter Phil Hughes is scheduled to make a rehab start tonight for Scranton.

BOX SCORE

Colon Ineffective, Yankees Cash In

The Scranton Wilkes/Barre Yankees took advantage of a rusty Bartolo Colon, while the PawSox offense was held in check in the Yankees' 4-0 win at PNC field. Scratnon now holds a 1 1/2 game lead over Pawtucket in the IL North standings.

Colon (2-1), on a rehab assignment with the PawSox with a lower back strain, pitched only 2/3 of an inning, giving up three runs on four hits, one of which was a two-run homer to Matt Carson. He walked one and struck out one. He threw 32 pitches, 18 for strikes.

Davis Aardsma pitched a scoreless innings in relief of Colon, walking two but not giving up a hit.

Michael Bowden, pitched six innings on what was to be his scheduled start. He proved to be effective, with his only mistake coming in the third when he gave up a solo homer to Cody Ransom. Bowden worked six innings, limiting the Yankees to three hits and one run. He walked three (the first in his Triple-A career) and struck out one.

Offensively Pawtucket was frustrated all night by starter Kei Igawa (12-5) and the rest of the Yankees' staff. They could muster only 6 hits and stranded 10 runners. Their best opportunity to score came against Igawa in the third when Pawtucket had the bases loaded with two out. But Igawa settled down and got Keith Ginter to fly out to right to end the inning.

Ransom went 2 for 2 in the game with two walks and two RBI's. Bernie Castro also had two hits for the Yankees.

Dusty Brown was the only member of the PawSox to collect two hits.

The Yankees have won three in a row over Pawtucket with game three of the four game series tonight (7:00pm) in Moosic, PA. Edgar Martinez (5-2, 4.07 ERA) will start for Pawtucket. RHP Alfredo Aceves (1-0, 4.15 ERA) will pitch for Scranton.

BOX SCORE

Game 118- PawSox vs. Yankees, August 5, 2008

The PawSox look to regain the top spot in the IL North Division if they are able to defeat the Scranton/Wilkes barre Yankees tonight (7:00pm) in Moosic, PA. RHP Bartolo Colon (2-0, 0.64 ERA) makes a rehab start for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by Yankees LHP Kei Igawa (11-5, 3.55 ERA).

The Yankees hold a 2-1 edge so far on this six game stretch between the two clubs. They took the IL North lead with a 3-2 win last night.

Here is a brief preview of the game...

Pawtucket Red Sox (71-46)

The PawSox find themselves in second place for the first time since June 16th. Despite losing their last two games to the Yankees, the PawSox still hold a 6-5 edge in the season series to date.

Colon makes his fourth start for Pawtucket tonight. He was sent down by the Red Sox as part of a rehab assignment. Colon was placed on the disabled list June 17th with a lower back strain. In his previous starts fro Pawtucket Colon has been spectacular, giving up only one run over 14 innings.

Micheal Bowden is expected to follow Colon tonight in what was originally scheduled to be his start.

Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees (72-46)

The Yankees have won two in a row over Pawtucket and are winners of seven of their last ten.

Igawa makes his 20th start tonight. He has won his last three starts, giving up a total of only 5 earned runs in 20 innings on the mound.

PawSox Fall to Yankees, Out of First Place

2B Bernie Castro delivered a one-out bases-loaded walk-off single in the bottom of the ninth to give the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees a 3-2 come-from-behind win over the PawSox last night in Moosic, PA. With the win the Yankees take over the top spot in the IL North Division, 1/2 game better than Pawtucket.

The winning run came against PawSox relievers Michael Tejera and Jose Vaquedano. SS Cody Ransom led-off with a walk off Tejera. After 3B Eric Duncan popped out to first, Vaquedano entered the game and gave up a singe to C Chris Stewart and a walk to LF Brett Gardner to load the bases. Castro then laced a 0-1 pitch over the drawn in infield to knock in the winning run. Tejera (3-6) was tabbed with the loss.

The game featured stellar starting pitching from Pawtucket's David Pauley and Scranton's Chase Wright. The game was scoreless until the top of the sixth when the PawSox got to Wright for two runs on a bases clearing triple by Jeff Bailey. Up until the sixth Wright had held the PawSox hitless.

Pauley shut down the Yankees until the seventh, when he gave up a lead-off single to Juan Miranda and a two-run homer to Shelley Duncan to tie the game.

Neither starter figured in the decision. Wright pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on four hits. He walked one and struck out four. Pauley threw seven innings, also giving up two runs on four hits. He walked three and struck out three.

Steven Jackson (2-0) pitched the ninth for the Yankees and picked up the win.

The Yankees now hold a 2-1 edge in this six game stretch between the two clubs. Game two of the four-game Pennsylvania portion of the series takes place tonight (7:00pm). Bartolo Colon (2-0) will be making another rehab start for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Kei Igawa (11-5) for Scranton.

NOTES: Another line-up switch for PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, placing newly acquired IF Josh Wilson in the lead-off spot at short stop. Wilson reached base twice, going 1 for 3 with a walk.

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Yankees Get to PawSox 5-2

The PawSox could not continue their offensive output from Saturday night, falling to the pitching of Ian Kennedy and the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees, 5-2, this afternoon at McCoy.

Kennedy (4-2) kept the PawSox bats at bay, scattering six hits over seven innings. He did give up both Pawtucket runs, on a RBI single by new PawSox infielder Josh WIlson in the second and a solo homer by Gil Velazquez (his 8th of the season) in the seventh. Kennedy had good control of all his pitches, walking only one while striking out six.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink (13-4) did not fare as well. He worked only five innings, giving up three runs on eight hits in taking the loss. He walked two and struck out two. He gave up two runs in the third on a Matt Carson double and a Juan Miranda single. He gave up a solo homer to Ben Broussard in the fourth.

David Aardsma, on a minor league rehab assignment from Boston, pitched a scoreless sixth inning. Lefty Jon Switzer pitched two scoreless innings while striking out four. Lincoln Hodlzkom had a shaky ninth giving up two runs (one earned) on an RBI single by Bernie Castro and a sacrifice fly by Cody Ransom.

Castro had three hits to pace the Yankees. Carson, Miranda, and Broussard had two hits apiece. On the Pawtucket side of the ledger Joe Thurston collected two of the team's eight hits.

Pawtucket still holds a 1/2 lead in the IL North Division as the two teams now make their way to Moosic, PA for a four game series beginning tomorrow night. David Pauley (12-4) will pitch for Pawtucket, opposed by Chase Wright (1-0) for the Yankees.

NOTES: The Red Sox announced that Bartolo Colon will once again be making a rehab start with Pawtucket, perhaps Tuesday night. He has been oin the disabled list since the middle of June with a lower back strain.

For the second straight game, PawSox Manager Ron Johnson shuffled his line-up a bit, moving IF Jeff Natale to the lead-off spot and batting Jeff Bailey third. The move worked Saturday night, but it's too early to tell if this change in the order will be a lasting one.

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