Moss’ Three Homers Powers PawSox Past Bulls
Brandon Moss belted a team record-tying three home runs and drove in four RBI’s to lead the PawSox to a 14-7 thrashing of the Durham Bulls last night in a slug fest at Bulls Athletic Park.
Moss became the 16th PawSox player to hit three homers in a game. The last time the trick was turned was June 23, 2001 when Izzy Alcantara also hit three homers against the Bulls. Moss finished the game going 4 for 5, upping his average to .317.
The PawSox hit a total of six homers in the game, accomplishing that feat for the second time this week. Keith Ginter (#4) belted a grand slam in the fifth which gave Pawtucket the lead to stay. Chris Carter added a two-run homer (#10) in the sixth. Jonathan Van Every contributed with his 9th homer of the year, also a two run shot, in the third.
Along with Moss, Ginter also had a multiple hit game (2 for 5). As did Jed Lowrie, who went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs driven in. Carter has increased his hitting streak to 11 games.
Bobby Kielty returned to the PawSox line-up after being sidelined with left hand surgery. He was hitless in four at-bats.
PawSox starter David Pauley picked up the win to improve to 7-2 despite a shaky outing. He pitched 5 2/3 innings giving up all 7 Durham runs on 11 hits. He walked one, struck out five and gave up three homers…to Jon Weber and Justin Ruggiano (solo shots each) back-to-back in the third and Elliot Johnson (three-run) in the fourth.
Micheal Tejera did a fantastic job in relief, pitching 3 1/3 scoreless innings giving up only one hit.
Durham starter Jeff Niemann (2-2) took the loss, surrendering 10 PawSox‘ runs on 9 hits. He walked two, struck out two, and gave up four homers.
Reid Brigniac drove in two runs for the Bulls. Weber collected three hits while Chirs Richard and Joel Guzman each had two.
Game three of the series is this afternoon (5:05 pm) with RHP Charlie Zink (6-2, 2.59) on the mound for Pawtucket against RHP Mitch Talbot (5-3, 4.04) for Durham.
NOTES: Prior to the game the Red Sox activated Clay Buchholz from the 15-day disabled list and optioned him back to the PawSox. The recent success of Bartolo Colon in the Sox‘ rotation allowed the Sox to send Buchholz back to Pawtucket to make sure he gets his starts.
