The Rochester Red Wings lead the PawSox, 2-0 after two innings tonight at McCoy.
After a 1-2-3 first inning, PawSox starter Paul Byrd gave up two runs on three hits in the second. DH Trevor Plouffe drove in both runs with a double down the left field line.
In off the field news, the Red Sox have announced that lefty Kris Johnson has been demoted to Double A Portland. Johnson had a 3-13 record and a 6.35 ERA for the PawSox this season.
The PawSox are looking to snap an eight game losing streak as they get set to play the Rochester Red Wings tonight at McCoy in the nightcap of a day-night double header. Rochester won the matinee this afternoon 6-0.
The loss in game one marked was Pawtucket’s 16th shutout this season, an International League high. The PawSox have now lost eight games in a row.
Here are the line-up for tonight’s game…
ROCHESTER RED WINGS
Matt Tolbert SS
Steven Tollison 2B
Jose Morales C
Justin Huber LF
Danny Velencia 3B
David Winfree RF
Trevor Plouffe DH
Brock Peterson 1B
Dustin Martin CF
Jason Jones P
PAWTUCKET RED SOX
Josh Reddick CF
Bubba Bell RF
Jeff Bailey LF
Chris Carter DH
Mark Wagner C
Aaron Bates 1B
Travis Denker 2B
Chris Woodward SS
Angel Chavez 3B
Paul Byrd P
Byrd makes his first start for the PawSox as he preps to join Boston for the stretch run of the season. Since signing with the Red Sox on August 5th Byrd made two starts with the Rookie League Gulf Coast Red Sox. He was 0-1 with a 5.14 ERA. Byrd made eight starts for the Red Sox last season, going 4-2 with a 4.78 ERA.
In other Boston/Pawtucket news, the Boston Herald is reporting that Tim Wakefield will make another rehab start for the PawSox this Friday against the Red Wings. Wakefield took the loss for the PawSox last week when he worked 3 2/3 innings in the PawSox’ 10-1 loss at the Gwinnett Braves.
The Sox have also announced that Daisuke Matsuzaka may be ready to make a rehab start with the PawSox as early as September 3rd when Pawtucket once again hosts the Red Wings.
Chris Woodward makes his first start for the PawSox after having been optioned by Boston late last week. Boston released IF Ivan Ochoa to make room for Woodward on the Pawtucket roster.
Check back for updates throughout the game.
Two Rochester pitchers combined to give up only three hits as the Red Wings shutout the Pawtucket Red Sox this afternoon, 6-0 at McCoy Stadium in game one of a day-night double header. The loss is the PawSox’ eighth straight.
Yohan Pino (2-2) worked eight solid innings, giving up three hits while walking one and striking out eight. George Kottaras had two hits, including a double for the PawSox. Aaron Bates had the other Pawtucket hit.
Charlie Zink (5-14) struggled once again, giving up all six runs (four earned) on eight hits over 5 1/3 innings. Billy Traber pitcher scoreless ball over the remaining 3 2/3 innings of the game.
SS Matt Tolbert collected thre hits for the Red Wings. 3B Danny Velencia had two doubles and drove in two for Rochester.
I plan on being at McCoy for tonight’s nightcap beginning at 7:05pm. Paul Byrd will make his first start for Pawtucket as he prepares to join Boston later this season. Jason Jones (3-10, 6.01 ERA) will throw for the Red Wings.
More from McCoy when I get there…
Despite a spirited comeback, the Pawtucket Red Sox fell to the Rochester Red Wings last night, 7-6 in ten innings at McCoy. The loss is the PawSox’ seventh in a row.
Trailing 6-3 after six, the PawSox rallied to tie the game at 6-6 heading into the ninth. The Red Wings took the lead in the top of the tenth on a sacrifice fly by 1B Brock Peterson.
Both clubs banged out 12 hits. Travis Denker (two doubles) and Angel Chavez (one RBI) had three hits each for the PawSox. Chris Duncan went two for two with two RBI’s. Bubba Bell added a solo home run. Rochester catcher Jose Morales went three for four with a home run and three RBI’s.
Rocco Baldelli made his first rehab start with the PawSox since being placed on the disabled list with an ankle injury. Baldelli went o for 3 with a strikeout as DH. George Kottaras also made a rehab start, going 2 for 3 with a walk.
Kris Johnson struggled off the mound again for the PawSox. We worked only 2 2/3 innings giving up three runs on seven hits. He walked two and struck out one. Jose Vaquedano also gave up three runs in relief. Enrique Gonzalez (7-11) took the loss in the tenth.
A rarity today for the minor leagues as the two teams will play a day-night double header. The matinee takes place at 12:05pm with Yohan Pino (1-2, 3.86 ERA) throwing for the Red Wings versus Charlie Zink (5-13, 5.85 ERA) for the PawSox. I plan to be at McCoy for the nightcap at 7:05pm as Paul Bird makes his first start in prepapration for his late season stint with the Red Sox. He’ll be opposed by Rochester’s Jason Jones (3-10, 6.01 ERA).
NOTES: The PawSox released IF Ivan Ochoa to make room on the roster for IF Chris Woodward. Woodward was optioned last week after Boston acquired SS Alex Gonzalez from the Reds.
Gwinnett 1B Barbaro Canizares broke up a 2-2 tie with an RBI single in the bottom of the eighth to lead the Braves to a 3-2 win over the PawSox this afternoon at Gwinnett Stadium. The win earned the Braves a sweep of the four game series with Pawtucket.
Pawtucket out-hit the Braves 11-8 but again could not find the timely hitting needed to drive in runs. Chris Carter led the PawSox with three hits, including two doubles. Travis Denker belted a solo home run for the PawSox. The other run was driven in via an RBI triple by Josh Reddick.
Both clubs received supberb starting pitching. Adam Mills’ second start for Pawtucket was more memorable than his first. He worked six innings, giving up two runs on six hits. He struck out six and did not walk a batter.
Jo-Jo Reyes was equally up to the task for the Braves. He worked 6 2/3 innings, giving up two runs on nine hits. He also did not walk a batter and struck out five.
Marcus McBeth (2-1) took the loss for the PawSox. Buddy Carlyle (3-0) got the win for the Braves.
The PawSox return home tomorrow night (7:05pm) to open up their longest home stand of the season. Their first opponent will be the Rochester Red Wings. Rochester will send Phillip Humber (7-7, 5.28 ERA) to the hill. He’ll be opposed by Kris Johnson (3-13, 6.25 ERA) for the PawSox.
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