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.

Here are some remarks from PawSox Manager Ron Johnson in reaction to today’s Red Sox trade of Brandon Moss to the Pirates…

“It’s a business, you realize it is, but it’s a fraternity. It could turn out to be a great opportunity for Brandon and Craig (Hansen). The biggest thing is hopefully we rectified the problems we have at the Major Leagues.”

“I’m excited for Mossie. The bad part, obviously, is that you develop a lot of personal feelings for this kid. Everybody loves him, and we’ll be rooting for him…because he’s in the National League”

One awkward aspect about the trade was that players in the clubhouse and the media knew about the trade, while Moss was out in the field during batting practice. Johnson summoned Moss at around 4:45pm so he could take part in a conference call with Red Sox staff alerting him of the trade.

Many players in the clubhouse congratulated Moss on the news. A few also added some good-natured ribbing…

In other off-the-field news, Johnson said that Joe Thurston could play tonight if needed, but he will be given one more night off to recover from fouling a pitch off his foot in the game Monday in Toledo.

Check in for updates from the game on the field throughout the night.

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.

No need for me to write about the trade of Brandon Moss to the Pirates. Here are his remarks to the press shortly after he was told about the deal…

Here’s a look at the results from the rest of the International League from last night…

The Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees are now only a 1/2 game behind the PawSox in the IL North after their 6-0 shutout of the Syracuse Chiefs. Chase Wright and the rest of the Yankees staff surrendered only one hit. BOX

Slugfest in Richmond as the Columbus Clippers nipped the Braves 11-10. Luke Montz belted a pair of homers and drove in three runs while Luis Jiminez also homered and knocked in three for the Clippers. BOX

Meanwhile there was a pitcher’s duel in Toledo as the Indianapolis Indians got the best of the Mud Hens 2-1. BOX

Brad Snyder went 3 for 5 with 4 RBI’s as the Buffalo Bisons beat the Durham Bulls 8-5. BOX

The Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs have now won four straight road games, holding on to beat the Norfolk Tides 5-4. BOX

Kevin Barker homered and drove in three runs as the Louisville Bats took care of the Charlotte Knights 6-3. BOX