PawSox Bash Iron Pigs, 14-4
The Pawtucket Red Sox continued its dominance over the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, collecting a season-high 19 hits in their 14-4 thrashing last night at Coca-Cola Park. The PawSox swept the four game series in Allentown and are 13-1 against Lehigh Valey this season.
Every member of the PawSox line-up had at least one hit, with Josh Wilson, Chris Carter, and Gil Velazquez contributing three hits each. Jeff Corsaletti, Jason Lane, Dusty Brown, and Jonathan Van Every chipped in with two hits each. Ten of the 19 hits were for extra bases.
Also impressive was that eight of the nine Pawtucket hitters had at least one RBI. Velazquez (3 RBIs) and Van Every (2 RBI’s) hit back-to-back homers for the second straight game. Lane (3 RBI’s) and Brown (2 RBI’s) also knocked in multiple runs.
The PawSox were once again led on the mound by the bullpen, which pitched seven combined scoreless innings to close out the game. Lincoln Holdzkom (6-5) was the most impressive, throwing four innings of one hit ball to earn the win. Jon Switzer (one inning) and Hunter Jones (two innings) each gave up only one hit apiece during their outings.
PawSox starter Edgar Martinez had his issues on the mound, giving up four runs on six hits in two innings of work. He was also a bit wild, walking four and not striking out anyone.
Former Major League starter Kris Benson (1-4) took the brunt of the damage for the Iron Pigs. He gave up eight runs (six earned) on nine hits over four innings. He walked three, struck out two, and gave up both PawSox home runs. Reliever Wes Walrond did not fare much better, giving up six runs on eight hits over 1 2/3 innings.
With the win the PawSox tied a franchise record for most wins in a season at 83. They are off today and begin their final regular season homestand of the season tomorrow nignt (7:05pm) when they open a two game series with the Buffalo Bisons. Aaron Laffey (6-2) will pitch for Buffalo. He’ll go up against Charlie Zink (14-5) for Pawtucket.
NOTES: With the Red Sox trading for OF Mark Kotsay yesterday, IF/OF Joe Thurston has been optioned back to Pawtucket. He should be back in the starting line-up tomorrow night.
