August 5, 2005 at 8:51 AM
8/5 Cup of Coffee
It was sub-.500 night overall for the affliates last night. Pawtucket continued its recent slide against the SkyChiefs, as they lost 8-4 in Syracuse. Jack Cressend got the spot start in place of Chris Narveson, who was designated for assignment prior to the game following Roberto Petagine's call up to Boston. Unfortunately, Cressand gave up five in his two innings of work, allowing the Chiefs to take a lead they would not relinquish. On the bright side, Dustin Pedroia continues to show he hasn't missed a beat since coming of the disabled list, going 4 for 5 with a pair of RBIs in the contest. The loss dropped the PawSox (56-57) below the .500 mark. Portland dropped its series finale against New Britain 7-1 on Thursday. Kason Gabbard took the loss, which dropped his record to 8-9 on the season. Raul Nieves went 2 for 4 with a double in the losing effort. Jason Pearson was the lone Portland pitcher not scored upon, going the final two innings of relief, allowing only one hit. Wilmington beat Potomac 8-4 at Pfitzner Stadium last night. Jose Vaquedano earned the win, allowing three runs in his five innings of work. Can anyone say "Quality Plate Appearances Award"? Matt Van Der Bosch seems to be the early front runner for the month of August, as he went an astounding 4 for 4 in addition to drawing a walk, allowing him to reach base all five times up at bat. Scott White slugged two home runs while going 2 for 5 on the night with three bases knocked. Greenville dropped their extra-inning affair to Charleston, 6-5. Chris Turner went 3 for 4 with a double and Andrew Pickney went 2 for 5 and added a double as well. Jarrett Gradner had a strong start for the Bombers, going six innings while allowing only one run. Unfortunately his effort was wasted, as the bullpen opened the door for the Riverdogs win. Lowell followed the same script as the Bombers, as they also proceeded to lose in extra innings by a score of 4-3 to Williamsport. Luis Soto went 2 for 5 and clubbed a home run, while Jason Twomley crushed two doubles while going 3 for 4 on the night. As is typical in these extra inning contests, an impressive performance from the starter was wasted, as JT Zink went four innings of one-run ball. In GCL action, the Red Sox won 4-3 over the Reds. The much talked-about Craig Hansen got the decision in his pro debut, striking out two in his lone inning of work in the 4th. Bubba Bell went 2 for 4 with double and a run scored in the winning effort.
Player of the Night: No doubt about this one - Wilington's Matt Van Der Bosch, who was perfect at the plate last night, going 4 for 4, in addition to reaching base on a walk. Van Der Bosch also chipped in with two runs scored.