8/31 Cup of Coffee

Action was light last night due to the rain that was a factor in the Southern States. Lets begin with the International League, Pawtucket lost to Ottawa by a score of 5-2. Anastacio Martinez gave up 4 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings to take the loss. He struck out 5 Ottawa batters.On a postive note, Cla Meredith pitched a hitless inning of relief. Shawn Wooten went 2 for 4 with a run scored while Adam Stern was 1 for 1. He is hitting .321 with the PawSox. Altoona edged Portland 3-2. The Sea Dogs magic number to ensure a playoff berth remains at one. Brandon Moss had a perfect night at the plate going 4 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. David Murphy was 1 for 3 with a walk. David Pauley took the loss allowing all 3 runs in 6 inings of work on 7 hits. The Wilmington-Salem game was suspended due to rain in the third inning with Salem ahead 2-1. The game will be completed before the regularly scheduled game on Thursday. The Greenville/ Savannah game was postponed due to rain.Lowell defeated Vermont 6-4. Tim Cox got the win in relief going 3 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits with 4 Ks. Blake Maxwell got the save throwing 1 hitless inning. Keith Foulke continued his rehab assignment going 1 inning. He allowed 2 runs on 4 hits while striking out 3. Jay Johnson was 4 for 4 with a run and a RBI. Jed Lowrie went 3 for 5 with a run scored and 2 RBI.

Player of The Night: Brandon Moss who was a perfect 4 for 4 with his 16th home run and 2 runs scored.

8/30 Cup of Coffee

With one week left in the season regular season schedule, and playoff hopes fading ever so slightly, Pawtucket refuses to go down without a fight, as they beat Ottawa last night, 2-1. Kelly Shoppach went 2 for 4 with a two-run home run, which would be all the PawSox would need as Juan Perez and Charlie Zink were impressive as they combined to shut down Ottawa through eight frames of work. It was a close one as Wilmington beat Lynchburg to the tune of 4-3. Iggy Suarez went 2 for 3 with two runs scored, while Bryan Pritz went 1 for 3 with a double, in addition to scoring Wilmington's other two runs. Tommy Hottovy got the start, going four innings and allowing two runs, but it was Feliz Romero who picked up the win in relief, after pitching a scoreless fifth and sixth inning. Greenville beat Savannah 5-2 in SALLY League action. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 4 with triple, home run, and a pair of RBIs. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 3 with a double and a run knocked. On the mound, Roger Lincoln looked shaky, allowing two runs four hits while walking seven through five innings of work. Lowell could not complete the organizational sweep, as they lost to Tri-City, 9-4. Jed Lowrie and Yahmed Yema both continue to swing a hot bat, as each player went 2 for 4 at the plate yesterday. Unfortunately, it was not enough, as Lowell starter Mario Pena was tagged for six runs on six hits in four innings of work, as he absorbed his sixth loss of the season.

Player(s) of the Night: This is a tough one, but given the situation in Pawtucket, I have to hand it to both Juan Perez and Charlie Zink of Pawtucket. Both were called on in emergency duty- Perez from the bullpen and Zink from Portland- and both pitched exceptionally well, holding Ottawa to eight shutout innings while scattering six hits. Add that Pawtucket is fighting for a playoff chance, and these guys could not have come up any bigger.

8/29 Cup of Coffee

With the final full week of minor league ball upon us, teams are vying for playoff spots. One such team is the Pawtucket Red Sox, who, despite being in third place right now, are trying to make one final push toward the top of the IL North. They helped their chances by beating Rochester on the road yesterday, 10-8. Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 6 with a double and a home run. George Lombard helped the cause by going 2 for 4 and also had a double and a home run. Not to be outdone, Shawn Wooten went 2 for 5 with a season-high five ribbies with - you guessed it- a double and home run. Marc Deschenes notched the win with three solid innings of relief. Portland helped its playoff chances by continuing its dominance over New Hampshire, as they beat the Fisher Cats 5-2 yesterday. Anibal Sanchez gave Soxprospects Nation a scare by coming out in the fourth with an injury (which later proved to be just a blister on his hand). Chris Durbin paced Portland's offensive attack with a 2 for 3 day at the plate, with a home run and a pair of ribbies. Chad Spann also chipped in with a 2 for 4 performance with a run scored. Wilmington fell to Lynchburg 9-4 at City Stadium yesterday. Scott White went 3 for 4 with a double, while Jon de Vries went 2 for 3 with a run scored, but the Rocks came up short. Scott Shoemaker took the loss after giving up eight runs in three and two-thirds innings. It took Lowell 11 innings to beat Tri-City 6-5, at LaLacheur yesterday. Jacoby Ellsbury went 3 for 5, while Jed Lowrie went 4 for 5 with a home run, four ribs, and two runs scored. Keith Foulke made his second rehab appearance, and gave up a run in his only inning of work. Ryan Phillips had a great start, going five innings, allowing only one hit, but did not factor in the decision.

Player of the Day: Jed Lowrie of Lowell, who helped the Spinners overtake the Valley Cats with a 4 for 5 day at the dish, with a home run, four bases knocked and two runs scored. Lowrie is now hitting .314 on the season.

8/28 Cup of Coffee

As the minor league season hits the homestretch, many higher-tiered players are looking to make an impression this on the parent club in hopes of attaining the September call-up. Pawtucket's Kevin Youkilis, pretty much a shoo-in for a September trip to Boston, certainly didn't hurt his stock last night as he went 2 for 3 with a home run, two RBIs, and two runs scored. Youk also lived up to his "Greek god of walks" title by drawing three walks in the 8-5 win over division foe Rochester. Adam Hyzdu also had a good night at the plate, going 3 for 6 with a double and three runs knocked.Cla Meredith made a strong case for a call-up, as he fanned two in the final frame to notch his ninth save of the season. Portland blanked New Hampshire 8-0 on the strong outing of ace Jon Lester, who went seven innings, allowing two hits and no runs while whiffing seven. David Murphy went 3 for 4 with a home run, a ribbie and a pair of runs scored, while Brandon Moss contributed with a 2 for 4 night that featured a double and a home run. Wilmington got spanked 10-1 on the road at Lynchburg. Bret LeVier went 2 for 3 and scored the Blue Rocks' only run. Zach Borowiak also went 2 for 3, while adding a double. Blue Rocks starter Andrew Dobies got knocked around to the tune of five runs in four and two-thirds of work while taking the loss. Greenville was wearing its pacifier as the Riverdogs were clearly their daddy last night in a humiliating 11-3 loss. The only offensive success came from the two Jeffs, as Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 5 with double and run scored and Jeff Natale went 2 for 5 while knocking in all three Bomber runs. Mike Rozier got the hook early, as he allowed six hits and seven runs after without ever making it out of the third inning. In Lowell, the Spinners lost to Tri-City 6-1 on the night of Keith Foulke's first rehab appearance. Unfortunately, Foulke pitched nowhere near his 2004 self, even facing low-A caliber hitters, as he went an inning and two thirds, allowing three hits and a run in a less-than stellar performance. Not much could be said for the regulars, as Luis Soto went 1 for 3 while doubling in the Spin's only run of the night. Clay Buchholz didn't fare particularly well in his brief two-inning start, giving up a run and three hits.

Player of the Night: Kevin Youkilis, who got on base an amazing five times last night, going 2 for 3 with a home run, double and -count 'em- three walks as he helped push Pawtucket past Rochester 8-5.

8/27 Cup of Coffee

It was a night of nailbiters for the affiliates last night, with three games being decided by one run. Pawtucket was shut out 3-0 by Scranton. Tim Kester pitched well enough to win, but received no run support and absorbed the loss. George Lombard went 1 for 3 with Pawtucket's only extra base hit on the night. Portland eeked out a win against New Hampshire in dramatic fashion last night, 4-3. Matt Van Der Bosch suicide squeezed home Chris Durbin in the bottom of the ninth to send the crowd home happy. Also of note was uber prospect Hanley Ramirez, who went 2 for 3 at the dish, with a run scored. Randy Beam got the win in relief, going the final two innings while only allowing one hit and stiking out three. Wilmington lost its game to Lynchburg in extra innings, 3-2. Jon De Vries went 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI in the losing effort. Jose Vaquedano's solid performance on the hill was wasted, as the Blue Rocks starter went seven strong, allowing only four hits and two runs. Unfortunately, the offense couldn't muster enough runs as they fell in the 10th. Greenville won in convincing fashion over Charleston, 8-2 last night at Municipal Stadium. Ian Cronkhite led the way for the Bombers, going 2 for 4 with a double and a home run. Logan Sorensen went 1 for 2 with two ribbies and two runs scored helping the home team to victory. Gary Galvez looked good, allowing only one run - a solo home run to Riverdogs CF Tim Battle - while scattering four hits in six and third innings of work. Lowell held off a three-run surge to Tri-City in the top of the ninth and pulled through with a 5-4 victory. Jay Johnson went 3 for 4 on the night, as did Yahmed Yema, who chipped in with two doubles on the night. Adam Blackley went six innings, allowing only one run while fanning eight. While it wasn't exactly Game 7 of the 2003 ALCS, the Yankees ended the Red Sox season prematurely- on the Gulf Coast League level. The GCL Red Sox were held to two total hits in their 4-1 loss the GCL Yankees. Mike Jones scored the Sox only run. Yulkin German lasted only three outs to start the game, allowing all the runs the GCL Yankees would need and took the loss in the season finale.

Player of the Night: Lowell outfielder Yahmed Yema, who went 3 for 4 on the night, with two doubles and a run scored.

8/26 Cup of Coffee

The boys in Pawtucket continued their dominance over Scranton this year, as they beat the Red Barons 5-4 at Lackawanna County Stadium. Luis Figueroa went 2 for 4 on the night, with a team high three ribbies. Manny Delcarmen picked up the win with a scoreless seventh, while Cla Meredith came in for his eighth save of the season. To say Portland was beaten by Trenton on Thursday night would be like saying the White Sox chipped away at Randy Johnson last Sunday: both are huge understatements. Trenton absolutely crushed the 'Dogs with 15-0 shellacking in front of the Hadlock Faithful. Raul Nieves was Portland's only "star" on the night, going 1 for 1 at the plate and even took on some mop-up work by getting the final four outs on the mound, giving up two earned runs. The only positive was that Craig Hansen went untouched, throwing a scoreless seventh in what could be one of his final minor league pitching performances. Wilmington fared no better, as they lost 8-2 to Myrtle Beach. Dusty Brown was in class by himself, as he went 3 for 4 on the night as the rest of the lineup struggled against Kelvin Villa & Co. For Luis Mendoza, the 2005 campaign can't end soon enough, as his struggles continued, giving up seven hits and four earned in five innings of work. Mendoza's ERA sits comfortably over 6.00. But the good news is I just saved alot of money by switching to Geico. Greenville and its contingent of hot prospects beat Charlestown, 3-1 at Municipal Stadium. And guess who had himself another good night? None other than Andrew Pinckney, who went 2 for 3 with a walk. How long before this guy trades in his Bombers cap for a shiny new Wilmington model? Billy Gardner picked up his third win of the season, going six innings and gicing only one earned run.Kyle Jackson shut the door, going the final three innings, striking out five. Lowell prevailed 3-2 over Vermont last night. Lowell's three-run 2nd inning, led by Jay Johnson's two run homer, would be all the Spin would need. Human yo-yo Charlie Zink pitched an excellent four innings, but did not factor in the decision. And who could forget about our lovable GCL Red Sox? With Katrina on the way, the Sox beat the GCL Twins 3-2 in a nailbiter. Richard Santana led the charge with a perfect 3 for 3 day at the plate, with a home run, two doubles, and two runs scored. Tim Cox pitched the final six and a third innings for Sox, scattering five hits while striking out eight junior Twinkies.

Player of the Night: And the envelope, please...Richard Santana, who hit everything he saw, going 3 for 3, with two doubles and the game's only round-tripper. Unfortunately, I could not dig up a picture of the esteemed Mr. Santana. My apologies.

8/25 Cup of Coffee

In action on Wednesday night, Pawtucket beat Ottawa 7-2.Marc Deschenes got the win going 5 innings allowing 2 hits and 2 runs. He had 5 Ks. Manny Delcarmen pitched a scoreless ninth aloowing 1 hit while striking out 2. Dave Berg was 2 for 4 with a run scored and 3 RBI. Portland had a 2 run lead going into the ninth blew it and ended up losing 4-3 to Trenton in 12 innings. Jimmy Mann started the ninth did not allow a hit but was charged with 2 runs after giving up 2 walks and having 2 others reach base on errors. Charlie Zink took the loss giving up a run in the 12th on a hit and a walk. Scott Youngbauer was 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Matt Van Der Bosch was 2 for 4. Brandon Moss was 2 for 5.Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 6 with 2 steals and a RBI. Wilmington shut out Myrtle Beach 2-0. Brett Rudrude got the win throwing 2 innings of hitless ball with 2 Ks. Justin Sturge got the save going 4 innings. He allowed 0 runs on 2 hits with 4 Ks. Bryan Pritz was 2 for 4 with a run scored. Claudio Arias was 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Greenville edged Charleston 5-4. Henry Cabrera went 5 innings allowing 1 run on 2 hits. He struck out 6. Brantley Jordan got the win going 2 1/3 scoreless innings. Jeff Corsaletti went 2 for 4. Jeff Natale went 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored. Andrew Pinckney was 2 for 5 with 2 runs scored, a home run and 2 RBI. Lowell blew a 6 run lead in the ninth inning and ended up losing 12-11 to Vermont in extra innings. J.T. Large got the first two outs in the ninth and then gave up 6 runs on 3 hits and 2 errors. Argimiro Guanchez took the loss giving up a run on 2 hits in the tenth. Jed Lowrie went 2 for 4 scoring 2 runs with a RBI. Dustin Kelly and Patrick Perry were each 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Jason Twomley was 1 for 4 with a home run. He scored 2 runs and had 3 RBI. Finally, the Red Sox of the Gulf Coast League lost 8-6 to the Twins. Alex Gonzalez blew the save and took the loss going 2/3 of an inning. He allowed 2 runs on 1 hit. Reid Engel was 2 for 5 with a home run. Mike Jones was 2 for 2 with a run scored.
Player of The Night: Andrew Pinckney of Greenville who was 2 for 5 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 2 RBI.

8/24 Cup of Coffee

Let's start off a review of last night's action with Pawtucket and their 5-4 victory over Ottawa. Abe Alvarez got the start and gave up 3 runs and 4 hits over 6 2/3 innings. Cla Meredith blew the save going only 1/3 inning. He allowed 1 run on 3 hits. Matt Perisho threw 2 hitless innings to earn the win. George Lombard went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI. Tony Schrager was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Dustin Pedroia ,1 for 3, got the game winning hit in the ninth. Trenton bombed Portland 11-6. Anibal Sanchez lasted only 3 1/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 8 hits, 4 of the runs were earned. Craig Hansen threw 1 1/3 innings giving up 0 runs on 2 hits. He did allow an inherited runner to score. Denny Tomori gave up 3 runs on 5 hits in 2 innings of work. Hanley Ramirez went 3 for 5 with a run scored. Scott Youngbauer went 2 for 4 with a run scored and a RBI. Myrtle Beach beat Wilmington 7-6. Scott Shoemaker gave up 5 runs on 6 hits over 5 innings. T.J. Rios took the loss giving up 2 runs on 2 hits over 1 2/3 innings. Scott White was 3 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Columbus got by Greenville 5-3. Roger Lincoln took the loss giving up 5 runs and 12 hits over 7 innings. Claudio Arias was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. In the NY/Penn League All Star Game, the A.L. team lost 5-4 to the N.L. squad. Ryan Phillips threw for 2 innings giving up 0 runs on 1 hit. Jed Lowrie was 0 fr 1 with a walk and a run scored. Luis Soto was 0 for 2. In the Gulf Coast League, the Red Sox edged the Reds 7-6. Kyle Fernandes gave up 4 runs on 7 hits over 3 innings. Dane Towery got the win going 3 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. Tony Granadillo was 3 for 4 with a RBI. Manny Arambarris was also 3 for 4 with a run scored. Emilio Linares went 2 for 4 with 2 runs and 3 RBI.

Player of the Night: Claudio Arias of the Bombers who was 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI.

8/23 Cup of Coffee

In action on Monday, Pawtucket shut out Rochester 4-0 behind the strong pitching of Mark Malaska . He went 6 innings giving up 0 runs on only 2 hits. He had 9 Ks. Trot Nixon went 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 runs scored. Trenton defeated Portland 5-2. Jon Lester had a rough outing giving up 4 runs on 5 hits in just 3 innings of work. Charlie Zink finished the game going 6 innings giving up just 1 run on 1 hit while striking out 8. Chris Durbin went 2 for 4 while Bret LeVier was 2 for 3. Wilmington was not scheduled to play last night. Greenville got by Columbus 9-7. Mike Rozier went 4 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. Randy Newsom got the win going 4 2/3 innings allowing 6 runs on 4 hits.Jeff Natale was 3 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Andrew Pinckney was 2 for 3 with a home run and 2 RBI. Claudio Arias, Chris Turner and Logan Sorensen were all 2 for 5. Lowell did not play as the NY/Penn League is on their All Star break. Pitcher Ryan Phillips,second baseman Jed Lowrie, and rightfielder Luis Soto were all selected as all stars. In the Gulf Coast League, the Red Sox shut out the Reds 3-0. Yulkin German got the win throwing 5 innings giving up 3 hits. He struck out 6. Jose Ortiz threw 3 innings of hitless ball in relief. Alex Gonzalez got the save throwing 1 hitless inning. Moises Santa went 3 for 4 with a run scored. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 3 while Mike Jones was 2 for 4.

Player of The Night: Mark Malaska of Pawtucket who tossed a shutout over 6 innings of 2 hit ball with 9 Ks.

8/22 Cup of Coffee

Yesterday was another good one for the system with the Sox farm teams winning 4 out of 5 games. Pawtucket beat Rochester 5-2. Tim Kester got the win going 6 innings. He allowed just 2 runs on 6 hits. Manny Delcarmen got the save going 1 2/3 scoreless innings allowing 2 hits and striking out 1. Kevin Youkilis was 2 for 2 with 2 walks, a home run, 2 runs scored and a 2 RBI. Luis Figueroa was 3 for 4. Portland edged New Hampshire 4-3 in a 15 inning marathon. They went through 7 pitchers with Charlie Zink getting the win after pitching 2 hitless scoreless innings. Jimmy Mann got the save pitching a hitless 15th . Brandon Moss was 3 for 7. David Murphy and Hanley Ramirez were both 2 for 6. Scott Youngbauer was 2 for 7 with a home run and 2 RBI. Wilmington got by Lynchburg 7-5. Justin Sturge got the victory in relief of Andrew Dobies. Jon De Vries was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored. Matt Van Der Bosch was 1 for 3 with a home run, 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Greenville outscored Columbus 9-7. Gary Galvez went 6 innings giving up 4 runs on 6 hits. Kyle Jackson blew the save but got the win going 3 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits while striking out 6. Andrew Pinckney was 2 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Chuck Jeroloman was also 2 for 4. John Otness and Christian Lara were both 2 for 5. Tri-City beat Lowell 4-2. Chris Jones took the loss in relief allowing 2 runs in 2 innings of work. The Spinners had only 2 hits in the game. Yahmed Yema was 1 for 3. Dominic Ramos was 1 for 4.There was no action in the Gulf Coast League yesterday.
Player of The Night: Kevin Youkilis who was on base 4 times, scored 2 runs and had 2 RBI.

8/21 Cup of Coffee

In Saturday action, Pawtucket went down 3-2 to Rochester. Anastacio Martinez took the loss giving up 2 runs on 5 hits over 5 innings. Kelly Shoppach went 2 for 4 including his 25th home run. He had 2 RBI. Dave Berg was 2 for 4 as well. Portland shut out New Hampshire 1-0. Kason Gabbard went 5 2/3 innings allowing 0 runs on 6 hits while striking out 4. Craig Hansen pitched another scoreless, hitless inning while striking out 2. Scott Youngbauer went 2 for 4. Lynchburg got by Wilmington 3-1. Jose Vaquedano was the loser giving up 3 runs on 4 hits in 5 innings of work. Mickey Hall went 2 for 3 with a RBI to lead the Blue Rocks. Columbus got by Greenville 4-3. Jarrett Gardner gave up 3 runs on 6 hits during 7 innings but the loss went to Brantley Jordan who gave up 1 run on 2 hits in 2 2/3 innings of work.Sal Paniagua was 2 for 4 with a run and a RBI. Lowell was beaten by Tri-City 8-3. Adam Blackley lasted only 1 1/3 innings giving up 7 runs on 5 hits to record the loss. Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 4 with a run scored, Jason Twomley went 1 for 4 with a home run and Luis Soto was 1 for 3. The Gulf Coast Red Sox defeated the Pirates by a score of 9-4. Kyle Tabeek got the win in relief allowing o runs, 0 hits in 2 1/3 innings. Bubba Bell was 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 3 RBI and a home run. Luis Segovia was also 3 for 4. He had 2 runs scored, 2 RBI and a home run.

Player of The Night: Bubba Bell who went 3 for 4 with 3 runs scored, 3 RBI and a home run.

8/20 Cup of Coffee

The teams in the Sox system on Friday did something they normally don't accomplish. They won all six games played. Pawtucket defeated Rochester 4-3. Manny Delcarmen got the win in relief going 2 innings while giving up 0 runs and 0 hits. He struck out 1. Justin Sherrod went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Adam Hyzdu was 2 for 3 with a run scored. Portland increased their lead in first by beating New Hampshire 7-4. David Pauley recorded the win going 6 2/3 innings while giving up 4 runs on 9 hits. Craig Hansen threw another scoreless inning, striking out 2. Jimmy Mann got the save pitching a hitless ninth striking out 2. Chris Durbin went 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI. Brandon Moss went 2 for 3 with 3 runs scored and 3 RBI. Wilmington got by Lynchburg 7-5. Luis Mendoza got the win going 7 innings while giving up 4 runs on 7 hits. Jon De Vries was 2 for 3 while Brant Ust was 1 for 4 with a run scored and 2 RBI. Greenville edged Augusta 4-3. Beau Vaughn started and went 5 2/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 7 hits but the win went to Kevin Guyette who pitched 1 inning giving up 0 runs on 1 hit while fanning 2. Jeff Natale went 2 for 3 with a run scored and a RBI. Claudio Arias was 2 for 4. Lowell edged Tri-City 4-3. Hunter Jones went 4 strong innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits while striking out 4. Blake Maxwell got the victory going 2 innings while giving up 0 runs on 1 hit with 2 Ks. Jed Lowrie went 2 for 3, Luis Soto went 2 for 4( now hitting .319) and Jacoby Ellsbury went 2 for 5. Mitch Stachowsky had a home run for the Spinners. The Gulf Coast Red Sox completed the perfect night by getting by the Pirates 5-3. Mike Bowden got the win going 2 hitless innings while fanning 4. Tim Cox recorded the save pitching 5 scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits. He struck out 5. Jesus Garcia was 2 for 4 with a RBI. Bubba Bell was 1 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI.
Player of The Night: Chris Durbin of Portland who was 3 for 4 with 2 runs scored and 3 RBI.

8/19 Cup of Coffee

Well it was a pretty successful night in the farm system yesterday, with the teams capturing four out of five games.Pawtucket recorded the only loss going down 6-1 to Ottawa. Abe Alvarez was the loser going 3 1/3 innings giving up 6 runs on 11 hits. Mark Bellhorn was 1 for 4 and was responsible for the PawSox lone run with a solo home run. Portland had a rare night off yesterday. Wilmington outslugged Winton-Salem 11-10. Barry Hertzler got the win in relief giving up 1 run on 6 hits in 4 2/3 innings of work. Zack Borowiak led the offense going 4 for 4 with a home run and 3 runs scored. Dusty Brown also had a very productive night going 2 for 5 with a home run and 5 RBI. Matt Van Der Bosch was 3 for 5 with a home run. Greenville pounded Augusta 14-1. Roger Lincoln, a worthy candidate for player of the night, got the victory going 6 innings giving up no runs and allowing just 3 hits in 6 innings of work. He struck out 6. John Otness went 2 for 3 with a home run, 2 runs scored and 4 RBI. Chuck Jeroloman went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Jeff Natale was 2 for 4 with 3 runs scored. Lowell got by Tri-City 8-3. Mario Pena got the win going 7 innings giving up 2 runs on 6 hits. Jacoby Ellsbury went 3 for 5 and scored 3 runs. Dominic Ramos went 3 for 5 with 2 runs scored and 2 RBI. Luis Soto went 2 for 5 with 2 RBI and a run scored. The Red Sox of the Gulf Coast League beat the Reds 5-2. Jimmy James recorded the victory going 5 innings allowing 2 runs on 6 hits. Moises Santa went 3 for 4. Jason Hurst went 2 for 4 with a home run and 4 RBI. Bubba Bell continued his hot hitting going 2 for 3.
Player of The Night: Zack Borowiak who had a perfect night at the plate going 4 for 4 with a home run and 3 runs scored.

8/18 Cup of Coffee

In action last night, Ottawa defeated Pawtucket 5-1. Mark Malaska took the loss going 4 1/3 innings giving up 3 runs on 5 hits. Adam Hyzdu and Kelly Shoppach were each 2 for 4 while Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 5. In Portland, the Sea Dogs were shut out by Binghamton 4-0. Anibal Sanchez was the loser going 6 1/3 innings. He gave up 4 runs, three of them earned, on 8 hits while walking 5 and striking out 5. Jared Sandberg and Bret LeVier were both 1 for 3. Winston-Salem beat Wilmington 10-5. Scott Shoemaker was the loser. He threw 4 innings giving up 6 runs on 9 hits. Chad Spann went 3 for 4 with a home run and 2 RBI. Brant Ust went 2 for 4 with 2 runs scored. Greenville beat Augusta 6-2. Mike Rozier threw 3 2/3 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits. The win,however, went to Kyle Jackson who pitched 4 1/3 innings in relief giving up 1 run on 5 hits. Jeff Corsaletti, Jeff Natale, John Otness and Claudio Arias were all 2 for 4. Arias had a home run as well. Lowell blasted Oneonta 8-1. Ryan Phillips ,now 6-1, recorded the win. He threw 7 innings giving up 1 run on 4 hits while recording 6 Ks. Yahmed Yema went 3 for 5. Jacoby Ellsbury was 2 for 5 with 2 RBI. Jason Twomley was 2 for4. Finally in the Gulf Coast League, the Reds beat the Red Sox 5-3. Kyle Fernandes pitched a complete game allowing the 5 runs on 12 hits while striking out 12. Bubba Bell was 2 for 3. Matt Ciaramella was 2 for 4.

Player of The Night: Ryan Phillips of Lowell who allowed just 1 run over 7 innings of work in a 8-1 victory. He gave up just 4 hits while striking out 6.

8/17 Cup of Coffee

What a difference 24 hours can make in the emotions of a follower of the Sox. With that in mind I hope everyone can enjoy their first cup of the black nectar this morning. Pawtucket may be an exception to that as they blew a 3 run lead in the bottom of the 10th inning to Rochester to lose 5-4. Marc Deschenes blew the save and took the loss giving up 4 runs while recording only 1 out. Lenny DiNardo threw 6 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits while striking out 6. Kelly Shoppach was 1 for 3 with 2 walks and a run scored. Mark Bellhorn went 1 for 5 with 3 RBI. Portland played another doubleheader last night and they swept Binghamton. In the first game, the Sea Dogs got a 6-5 win. Jon Lester had perhaps his poorest start of the season going only 4 2/3 innings. He allowed 5 runs on 6 hits. Conor Brooks got the win pitching 2 1/3 innings of scoreless ball. Jeremy West and Brandon Moss were both 2 for 3. The Sea Dogs had an easier time of it in the second game winning 9-3. Charlie Zink went 5 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits to get the victory. Craig Hansen pitched 2 scoreless innings giving up two hits while striking out 2. Scott Youngbauer went 2 for 3 with a home run and 3 RBI. David Murphy, however, was the star of the second game going 3 for 4 with 2 home runs and 3 RBI. Wilmington behind the pitching of Andrew Dobies beat Winston-Salem 4-2. He went 5 scoreless innings allowing just 2 hits. Brant Ust was 2 for 4 with an RBI and a run scored. Greenville lost to Augusta 8-4. Gary Galvez gave up 7 runs on 9 hits in 5 innings of work. Jeff Corsaletti led the attack going 2 for 5 with a home run and 4 RBI. Lowell got by Oneonta 3-2. Clay Bucholz went 3 scoreless innings but the win was recorded by Chris Jones who went 3 innings allowing a run on 3 hits. Jason Twomley led the offense going 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. In the Gulf Coast League, the Twins got by the Red Sox 9-8. Yulkin German started and went 5 2/3 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits with 9 Ks. Alex Gonzalez took the loss giving up 5 runs in 1 1/3 innings of work. Matt Ciaramella went 2 for 4 with 2 RBI. Jason Hurst was 2 for 3 with 2 runs scored.

Player of The Night: David Murphy of Portland who went 3 for 4 in the second game of their doubleheader with 2 home runs and 3 RBI in the shortened 7 inning game.

8/16 Cup of Coffee

Well things sure came apart for the big club last night. Thank goodness we can divert are attention away from that for a bit while we look over the action from down on the farm Monday night. Pawtucket got by Rochester 8-7. Tim Kester went 5 innings and gave up 4 runs on 8 hits. Cla Meredith got the win going 1 2/3 innings allowing 1 run on 3 hits. Dave Berg went 3 for 4 with a home run, 2 RBI and 3runs scored. Mark Bellhorn, Adam Hyzdu, and Luis Figueroa all went 2 for 4. Dustin Pedroia was 2 for 5. Portland took both ends of a double header last night. The Sea Dogs took the first game 3-1 with Jim Mann getting the win going 1 1/3 scoreless innings striking out 3. Scott Youngbauer led the attack going 2 for 3. In the second game the Sea Dogs beat Binghamton 8-5. Randy Beam got the win for the Sea Dogs going 1 2/3 innings of hitless ball. Edgar Martinez threw a hitless inning for the save. Brandon Moss led the attack going 3 for 4 with a homer and 2 runs scored. Chris Durbin was 2 for 3 while David Murphy and Hanley Ramirez each were 2 for 4. Winston/Salem edged Wilmington 6-5. Jose Vaquedano took the loss going 6 innings while giving up 2 runs on 6 hits. Ian Bladergroen went 2 for 4 with a double and a triple with 2 RBI. Rome got by Greenville by the same 6-5 score. Jarrett Gardner took the loss after giving up 5 runs on 12 hits in 5 innings of work. Jeff Corsaletti and Claudio Arias were each 2 for3. John Otness went 2 for 4. Lowell and Oneonta split a double header. Oneonta won the first game 2-1 throwing a three hitter at the Spinners. J. T. Zink was the loser giving up 2 runs in 2 1/3 innings of work. Luis Soto and Jed Lowrie were each 1 for 2. In the second game, the Spinners came back to earn a 4-2 victory. Adam Blackley threw 6 innings of the 7 inning contest allowing 2 runs on 6 hits while striking out 9. Dustin Kelly went 2 for 2. Matt Mercurio and Jason Twomley were each 2 for 3. Luis Soto hit his 7th home run in the game. The Gulf Coast Red Sox were beaten by the Twins 5-3. James Allbury pitched 4 innings giving up 2 runs on 3 hits while striking out 5. Rhys Taylor took the defeat giving up 2 runs on 2 hits in 3 innings of work. Tony Granadillo went 2 for 4 with a home run and 3 RBI. Mike Jones went 2 for 4 while Bubba Bell was 2 for 5. Whoops, my apologies for having to edit the article but I missed the second game of the Pawtucket- Rochester doubleheader in which Rochester won by the score of 10-9. Tim Bausher took the loss going only 1/3 of an inning but giving up 4 runs. Dustin Pedroia led the PawSox attack going 4 for 5 with 2 home runs while driving in 5. An outstanding performance.
Player of The Night: Dustin Pedroia of Pawtucket, who went 6/10 with 2 home runs and 5 RBIs in the Pawtucket DH.

8/15 Cup of Coffee

Rain played havoc with a couple of games yesterday, causing both Pawtucket and Lowell to have their games postponed.
There was still plenty of action to follow so lets begin in Portland. The Sea Dogs were beaten by Norwich by a score of 2-0. Kason Gabbard went 6 innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits with 5 Ks. Edgar Martinez threw another scoreless inning. Hanley Ramirez went 1 for 2 with a walk and a double. Wilmington outslugged Potomac 11-10. Luis Mendosa went 5 innings giving up 7 runs on 5 hits. Felix Romero got the victory going 4 innings allowing 3 runs on 6 hits. Bryan Pritz went 3 for 5 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored while Brant Ust was 3 for 4 with a home run, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. Greenville went down to defeat at the hands of Rome 6-2. in the first game of a double header. Beau Vaughn took the loss going 6 innings while giving up 6 runs on 10 hits. Chuck Jerolomen went 1 for 2. Andrew Picnkney, Claudio Arias, Ian Cronkhite, and Patrick Perry were all 1 for 3. In the second game, Greenville defeated Rome 6-4. Kevin Guyette went 3 1/3 innings and gave up 2 runs on 5 hits while striking out 3. Brantley Jordan who went 3 2/3 innings got the win allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. Chris Turner went 2 for 3 with 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Sal Paniagua was also 2 for 3 while John Otness went 2 for 4. There was no action in the Gulf Coast League on Sunday.
Player of the Night: Brant Ust of Wilmington who was 3 for 4 with a home run, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored

8/14 Cup of Coffee

Yesterday was a rough one for teams down on the farm. Sox farm teams managed only one win out of six matches. Here is the story. Rochester defeated Pawtucket 10-6. Abe Alvarez started the game and went 5 innings giving up 5 runs on 7 hits. Juan Perez took the loss going only 2/3 of an inning and allowed 4 runs on 3 hits. Adam Hyzdu went 2 for 4 with a homer, 2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Shawn Wooten went 2 for 2. Portland was blasted by Norwich 12-1. David Pauley took the loss going 4 innings. He gave up 6 runs on 7 hits. Craig Hansen pitched a scoreless inning striking out 2 while giving up 1 hit. Jared Sandberg led a rather anemic Portland offense going 2 for 4. Potomac defeated Wilmington 7-3. Pete Fischer was the losing pitcher going 2 innings while giving up 6 runs on 7 hits. Jon de Vries went 2 for 3 with a walk for the Blue Rocks. Rome shut out Greenville 8-0. Roger Lincoln was the loser going only 2 2/3 innings while giving up 7 runs on 10 hits. Andrew Pinckney went 2 for 4 for the Bombers. The losing streak continued with Lowell losing 12-7 to Oneonta. Mario Pena took the loss going 5 innings while giving up 6 runs on 10 hits. Luis Soto went 2 for 4 with 2 home runs, 5 RBI and 2 runs scored to lead the Spinner attack. Jed Lowrie went 2 for 3. The only win of the night was recorded by the Gulf Coast Red Sox who defeated the Pirates 5-3. Tim Cox went 5 innings giving up 2 runs on 2 hits. Dane Towery got the win going 1 scoreless inning. Moises Santa led the attack going 2 for 3 with a home run,2 RBI and 2 runs scored. Jesus Garcia went 2 for 4 and scored twice.

Player of The Night: Luis Soto of Lowell who continued his hot streak going 2 for 4 with 2 home runs and 5 RBI.

8/13 Cup of Coffee

After spending the last two weeks on vacation it is good to be back. In last night's action, Pawtucket defeated Scranton/WB by the score of 7-2. Mark Malaska went 5 innings allowing just 1 run on 3 hits to earn the victory. Shawn Wooten went 3 for 4 with a home run while Dustin Pedroia went 2 for 4 and Dave Berg went 3 for 5. Norwich got by Portland 6-4. Anibal Sanchez started and went 6 innings. He allowed 4 runs on 5 hits while striking out 4. Randy Beam took the loss in relief allowing 1 run in 2 innings. At the plate, Hanley Ramirez was 2 for 4 and Scott Youngbauer was 2 for 3. Wilmington beat Potomac 6-1. Scott Shoemaker went 5 innings while giving up just 1 run on 5 hits to pick up the win. Matt Van Der Bosch was 2 for 3 and Chad Spann was 2 for 4 to lead the Blue Rocks attack. Rome got by Greenville 6-4 in the South Atlantic League. Henry Cabrera took the loss going 3 innings while giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. Jeff Corsaletti went 3 for 5 and Logan Sorensen went 2 for 4 to lead the Bombers. In the NY/Penn League, the Lowell/ Hudson Valley game was postponed due to rain. The Gulf Coast Red Sox hammered the Pirates 8-2 behind the strong pitching of Jimmy James who pitched 5 innings allowing just 2 runs on 5 hits. Bubba Bell went 2 for 5 and Moises Santa went 2 for 5 to lead the attack.

Player of the Night: Shawn Wooten the 32 year old from the PawSox who went 3 for 4 with a home run.

Hansen promoted to Portland

On Thursday, first-round pick Craig Hansen was promoted to AA Portland. Hansen, 21, was selected as the 26th player overall in the June 2005 draft, and was rated by Baseball America as the player "closest to the major leagues." He signed on July 25th and was immediately added to the 40-man roster. In two appearances with the GCL Red Sox, Hansen worked three scoreless innings. The 6-foot-5 pitcher from St. John's earned Big East Pitcher of the Year honors in 2005 after saving 14 games. To make room for Hansen, Brantley Jordan was returned to Greenville. The Portland Sea Dogs host the Norwich Navigators tonight at 7:00 PM, and Hansen is expected to see action out of the bullpen.

8/11 Cup of Coffee

Pawtucket had an off-day yesterday as they travel to Scranton to face the Red Barons for a two-game series at Lackawanna County Stadium. Portland continued its dominance over the Rockcats with a 7-6 win. Sea Dog hitters put up a 5-spot in the top of the first and would never look back. David Murphy went 3 for 4 with two runs scored, while Jared Sandberg and Alberto Concepcion each went 3 for 5. Denney Tomori went seven deep, allowing five runs on nine hits to up his record to 2-2 for the Sea Dogs. Wilmington thrashed the Warthogs by a score of 10-5 yesterday. Ian Bladergroen went 2 for 2 with a walk and two bases knocked. Zach Borowiak went 2 for 4 with three RBIs to pace the Blue Rocks offensive attack. Stater Jose Vaquedano earned his seventh win of the season by going five frames, allowing three runs on four hits while fanning five. The prospects in Greenville continue to impress as the Bombers beat the Sand Gnats, 8-7 yesterday. Jeff Corsaletti boosted his average to .363 with a 2 for 6 day, which included a double and a base knocked. Andrew Pinckney continued his torrid pace of late, going 3 for 5 with a double and home run helping lead the Bombers over Savannah. Jarrett Gardner had a less than steller performance on the mound, allowing six runs over five and one-third innings, as reliever Kevin Guyette saved the day, holding the Sand Gnats to two hits in the final three frames to earn the victory late for Greenville. Lowell put up a valiant fight in the top of the ninth to pull within a run of Hudson Valley, but came up short, 7-6. Luis Soto was the offensive star for the Spinners, going 3 for 4 with three ribbies. Adam Blackley dropped to 4-2 on the season as he was roughed up for five runs on ten hits in his five innings of work. The GCL Red Sox were edged out by the GCL Reds 3-2 yesterday. The only Sox hitter with multiple hits was Reid Engel, who went 2 for 4 on the day. Tony Granadillo had the Sox lone RBI. Yulkin German had a decent start, going four and two-thirds, giving up one earned on four hits while striking out six.

Player of the Day: Another solid day at the plate gives Andrew Pinckney his 2nd consecutive "Player of the Day" award. Pinckney went 3 for 5 on Wednesday, with a home run and a double, and three runs scored. Pinckney is now hitting .317 on the year, with 16 home runs and 82 RBIs to go along with a .367 OBP.

Cruz, Jr. traded to the Dodgers for PTBNL

The Red Sox traded recently-acquired outfielder Jose Cruz, Jr. Tuesday night to the Los Angeles Dodgers for a player to be named later. Cruz, who went 3 for 12 (.250) in his brief stint with the Sox, was designated for assignment on Monday to make room for Kevin Youkilis. Cruz was originally acquired by the Red Sox on July 30 for former Red Sox prospects Kenny Perez and Kyle Bono after being designated for assignment by the Arizona Diamondbacks on July 27. On the season, Cruz hit a combined .215 with 12 home runs and 28 RBI.

8/10 Cup of Coffee

Pawtucket came back after a 6-3 loss Monday night and won, 4-3 over Buffalo, taking 3 of 4 overall from the IL Northern Division leaders. Dave Berg went 2 for 3 with a home run. Mark Bellhorn and Alejandro Machado also hit dingers for the home team. Marc Deschenes had a respectable spot start, going four innings and allowing only one run while striking out three. Former PawSox/current Bison Andy Abad led all hitters with three hits on the night. It was a "Let's play two" doubleheader between Portland and New Britain yesterday, as the Sea Dogs took both games over the Rockcats. Portland won 8-4 in Game 1, due in large part to Jared Sandberg's big day at the plate, where he went 3 for 4 with two doubles and two ribbies. Portland's 1 through 3 hitters went a combined 6-12, as Chris Durbin, David Murphy and Jeremy West each went 2 for 4 during Game 1. Chris Smith went five innings deep, allowing three earned, while picking up his 3rd win of the season. Game 2 was more of the same, as Portland again put up eight runs en route to the doubleheader sweep of the Rockcats. Durbin and Murphy again went 2 for 4 each, while West went 1 for 2 with a two-run shot in the 4th. Hanley Ramirez also did well at the plate, going 2 for 4 with a double and three bases knocked. Conor Brooks got the win in relief, pitching 1.2 innings of scoreless ball. Wilmington dropped its game to Winston-Salem 4-2. Going strong for the Blue Rocks were Matt Van Der Bosch, who went 2 for 5 with a run scored, and Iggy Suarez, who went 2 for 3 with a walk. Luis Mendoza's 2005 struggles continued, as he took the loss aftet giving up five earned runs in six innings of work. Greenville pounded Savannah 16-1 at Municipal Stadium yesterday. Andrew Pinckney went 4 for 5 with three ribbies. Both Claudio Arias and Chris Turner each went 2 for 4 with a home run, for combined seven driven in. Not to be overshadowed by the offensive juggernaut was the pitching of Beau Vaughan, who went six strong of shutout ball while striking out eight. Lowell lost its extra-inning affair to Aberdeen, 7-6, as the Ironbirds scored two in the 10th to win it. Luis Soto went 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Matt Hancock allowed the Ironbirds to take off in the 10th by giving up the tying and winning runs to Aberdeen in the loss. The GCL Red Sox lost to the GCL Twins, 4-3 at City of Palms. Rhys Taylor had a respectable start, going four innings while allowing two unearned runs. Archie Gilbert went 1 for 3 with a base knocked in the losing effort.

Player of the Day: Greenville 3B Andrew Pinckney who went 4 for 5 with three ribbies and three runs scored.

Statistical Leaders

With roughly one month left in the minor league season,
check out the organization's statistical leaders
(MLB stats not included).

Roster Shuffle

The Red Sox made a number of roster moves over the past 24 hours to shore up their up the bullpen and bench situation. On Monday night, Boston signed reliever Ricky Bottalico to a minor league contract and assigned him to Pawtucket. Bottalico, 35, spent all of this season with the Brewers going 2-2 with 2 saves and a 4.54 ERA. The Connecticut native has spent 12 years in the majors with a big league career mark of 33-42 with a 3.99 ERA in 562 games with 116 saves. Additionally, the Red Sox acquired lefty Mike Remlinger (along with cash) from the Chicago Cubs for minor league pitcher Olivo Astacio. Remlinger was designated for assignment by the Cubs last Friday, after posting a 0-3 mark with a 4.91 ERA in 35 games in 2005. Remlinger was activated today and Wade Miller was placed on the 15-day DL. To bolster the bench, the red-hot Kevin Youkilis was recalled from Pawtucket (yet again) in order to replace Jose Cruz Jr., who was designated for assignment after less than a week with the club. Additionally, the St. Louis Cardinals claimed ex-Pawtucket starter Chris Narveson off waivers. Narveson began his pro career in the St. Louis organization

8/9 Cup of Coffee

As Boston beat up on the Rangers 11-6 last night, the majority of the affiliates were also busy beating up on their opponents as well, as the organization went a combined 5-1 on the night. Pawtucket's weekend dominance over the first place Bisons was snapped as the PawSox lost 6-3. George Lombard smacked a pair of home runs, but it was not enough as Buffalo roughed up on starter Tim Kester to the tune of six runs on eight hits in 5.1 innings. Although Portland fell behind early, the Dogs beat New Britain 6-4. Scott Youngbauer was the offensive star of the night, going 4 for 5 with a doube, home run, and two ribbies. Brandon Moss went 2 for 3 with a triple and a base knocked. David Pauley turned in a solid start against the Rock Cats, going seven innings, only allowing one earned run while striking out four. Wilmington edged out Winston-Salem in the bottom of the 11th to win, 5-4. Iggy Saurez went 2 for 3 while driving in two runs. Matt Van Der Bosch and Chad Spann both went 2 for 5 on the night for the Blue Rocks. Ian Bladergroen was the human target for the Rocks, as he was plunked twice in the game.Travis Rios shut the door during the final two innings to pick up his 2nd win of the year. Greenville beat Savannah, 4-2, at Municipal Stadium last night. Amazingly, Jeff Corsaletti did not get a hit. John Otness and Andrew Pickney both homered for the Bombers en route to the win. Although Roger Lincoln gave up ten hits in his six innings of work, he allowed only two runs, while striking out eight, good enough for his 2nd win of the year. The Lowell-Aberdeen game was suspended after three innings due to rain last night. The GCL Red Sox beat the GCL Twins 4-3 at Hammond Stadium yeserday. First round pick Craig Hansen got the start, going two scoreless innings, giving up two hits while striking out two. Manuel Rafael went 2 for 3 with a double, while Michael Jones went 2 for 5 with a double as well.

Player of the Night: Scott Youngbauer, who paced Portland's offensive attack against New Britain, going 4 for 5 with a double, home run, and two runs scored on the night.

8/8 Cup of Coffee

While Wilmington, Greenville, and the GCL Red Sox had Sunday off, the remaining Sox affiliates were playing it up on a beautiful Sunday afternoon. The PawSox beat their division rivals again with a 9-4 over Buffalo. Dustin Pedroia went solo, as did Goerge Lombard. Adam Hyzdu hit his 2nd homer in as many games in his truimphant return to Pawtucket. Abe Alvarez overcame a shaky start to pick up his 11th win of the season. Portland dropped the Sunday matinee to Binghampton, 4-1. The lone stars of the Sea Dogs lineup were David Murphy, who went 2 for 4 and Scott Youngbauer, who hit a home run in the 7th, providing the Dogs only run of the game. Anibal Sanchez took the tough loss despite going six innings, allowing only two runs on four hits, while striking out nine. Lowell beat Aberdeen 5-3 at Ripken Stadium in front of 6,289. Luis Soto and paced the Spinners' attack, both going 2 for 4 on the day. Eugenio Flores picked up his 2nd win in relief, going two innings of no-hit ball to hold the Ironbirds at bay.
Player of the Day: Adam Hyzdu, returning the organization that he helped win a championship, went 2 for 4 on the afternoon, crushing his 2nd homer in as many days (with a grand slam last night), while knocking in three to help pace Pawtucket in their 9-4 win over first place Buffalo.

8/7 Cup of Coffee

There were alot of crooked numbers on the scoreboard in Pawrucket 16-9 win over Buffalo last night. kevinyoukilis smacked two home runs in his 3 for 4 effort last night. Adam Hyzdu made his return to McCoy Stadium as he promptly belted a grand slam in the 2nd inning. Dave Berg and Shawn Wooten each went 3 for 5 with a ribbie each. Although it won't show up in the boxscore, Justin Sherrod made two fanatastic catches in the top of the seventh, one of which robbed Buffalo slugger Ernie Young of a home run. Newly acquired Matt Perisho was exceptional in his PawSox debut, going the final 1.1 innings without allowing a hit. Portland dropped both games of their doubleheader against Binghamton yesterday. Game 1 featured a combined seven hits between the two teams, as Portland lost 3-1. Brandon Moss was the only Sea Dog in the lineup to muster more than one hit, going 2 for 3 on the night. Jon Lester went five innings, giving up two earned in the loss. In Game 2, the bats woke up for both sides, but it was the B-Mets who pulled out the victory by scoring in the bottom of the seventh, and eventually winning it in the eighth. Jeremy West went 2 for 4 with a solo shot in the fourth inning. Hanley Ramirez also had a productive night, going 2 for 3 with a pair of ribbies. Wilmington beat up on Potomac 9-4 as East Providence's own Barry Hertzler came on in relief to pick up the 4th win of the season. Matt Van Der Bosch continues to have the best week ever, as he went 2 for 4 with three runs scored. Chad Spann also chipped in by going 2 for 4 with a home run, and three runs scored as well. Greenville lost to Charleston 5-1 at Watt Powell Park yesterday. John Otness was the Bombers' lone offensive catalyst, going 2 for 4 while picking up the only RBI for the road team. Jeff Corsaletti continued his tear of late, going 2 for 4 as well and upping the average to an astounding .374. Greenville's bullpen pitched admirably, allowing no runs in relief of Henry Cabrera's shaky start. But it was a case of closing the barn doors after all the horses escaped, as the Bombers couldn't overcome the five runs the Nationals put up in the first three innings. Lowell won 3-1 over Williamsport last night, as the combined efforts of pitchers Clay Buchholz, Ismael Casillas, and Blake Maxwell held the Crosscutters to just five hits and one run. Jason Twomley went 2 for 4 with a triple, while Dominic Ramos went 2 for 5 with two bases knocked. The GCL Red Sox were edged out by the GCL Pirates, 2-1. Jimmy James went five solid innings, allowing only one run on two hits. Reid Engel was the lone hitting star for the Sox, as he went 2 for 4 with a triple.

Player of the Night: YOOOOOOOUUUUUK! That's what the McCoy faithful chanted last night in Pawtucket as Kevin Youkilis absolutely went bananas against Buffalo pitching, going 3 for 4 with two dingers, three ribbies, and four runs scored.

8/6 Cup of Coffee

Nothing like a late-night cup o' joe to get the juices flowing. Unfortunately, it seems as if the PawSox have been drinking decaf as of late. It was another tough night for Ron Johnson & Co. as they were swept by Syracuse in the series finale, 3-2 at P & C Stadium. Lenny Dinardo got the loss, despite going seven innings and allowing only two runs. Jonathan Papelbon made his relief debut, fanning two in a scoreless eighth. Kevin Youkilis went 3 for 4 on the night, with a home run and a pair of ribbies. Portland and Binghamton split their doubleheader, as the B-Mets took Game 1 by a score of 2-1. The only thing losing pitcher Denney Tomori lacked was run support, as he allowed only two runs in his six innings of work. David Murphy went 2 for 3 with a double while scoring Portland's lone run of Game 1. Game 2 was another story, as the Sea Dogs trounced the Mets 7-0 on a tremendous outing by knuckleballer Charlie Zink. Zink went seven strong, allowing only four hits in his complete game effort. Jim Buckley went 2 for 3 with two runs scored, while Jeremy West went 2 for 4 with a home run and three bases knocked. Wilmington held off the Potomac's comeback attempt in the ninth to clinch the win, 7-6. Zach Borowiak led the charge with his 2 for 3 night, which included a home run and a couple of runs batted in. Travis Rios came on in the fifth to earn the win, despite Justin Sturge's shaky ninth in which the Nationals scored three to inch within a run of the Rocks. Greenville's bullpen disappointed again, as the Bombers lost a heartbreaker to Charleston, 3-2. Gary Galvez's six-inning, four-hit effort was spoiled by the bullpen, as the Riverdogs edged the Bombers in the bottom of the ninth to win. Despite the loss, Jeff Corsaletti continues to murder Sally League pitching, as he went 3 for 4 on the night, boosting his season average to .370. Lowell shutout Williamsport 4-0 last night, as Adam Blackley struck out ten in his six innings of work en route to his fourth victory of the season. Luis Soto went 2 for 4 with a triple and two RBIs as he paced the Spin to their win over the Crosscutters. Not to be outdone by their low-A brother, the GCL Red Sox also shut out their opponent, the GCL Reds 4-0, as well. The ghost of El Guapo emerged, as Rich Garces went the first inning and promptly retired all three batters he faced. Moises Santa went 3 for 4 while scoring two runs, helping the Sox in their victory over the Reds.

Player of the Night: It's a tough one, but I have to give it to Charlie Zink. Zink pitched a heckuva game for Portland in Game 2 of their doubleheader, going the maximum seven innings while giving up only four hits (all singles) and striking out five.

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.

8/4 Cup of Coffee

Congratulations to PawSox 1B/DH Roberto Petagine on getting called up to Boston today. As most of us here on SoxProspects know, this has been a long time coming, as Petagine has been absolutely tearing the cover off the ball during his stay in Pawtucket. Petagine's former teammates did not fare as well without his bat in the lineup last night at Syracuse, as the PawSox fell 5-3 to the SkyChiefs. Tim Kester got off to a rocky start by giving up three runs in the bottom of the 1st. On a positive note, Dustin Pedroia hit his first triple-A home run during the top frame of the first, and seems to be on his way back after a nagging wrist injury forced him to the DL. Portland got the 8-6 win over New Britain at Hadlock Field yesterday, as Sea Dog hitters pounded out 14 hits against Rock Cat pitchers. Jeremy West went 3 for 4 with a home run and a double. Portland's 1 through 5 hitters each had at least two hits a piece. David Pauley got the start, going 5.2 innings allowing two earned runs on nine hits, but did not factor in the decision. In the Carolinas, Greenville lost to Charleston, 6-3. Jeff Corsaletti was the lone bright spot in the lineup yesterday, as he went 3 for 4 with a double and two runs scored, boosting his average to an impressive .358. Beau Vaughan went five innings, allowing three earned runs, while his successor Kyle Jackson took the loss, dropping him to 1-5 on the season. Lowell couldn't lose yesterday - they had the day off. Finally, the GCL Red Sox edged the GCL Reds 5-4 yesterday at City of Palms Park. Michael Jones led the way, going 2 for 4 with a double and an RBI. Jesus Garcia homered to help put two on the board for the Sox. There was another El Guapo sighting in the first inning, as Rich Garces allowed only one hit over one inning, albeit a home run to the "other" Michael Jones (Reds shortstop) while striking out three. Rhys Taylor pitched well enough to earn the win by going 3.1 shutout innings, lowering his ERA to a microscopic 0.68.
Player of the Night: Jeremy West, who went on to pace Portland's victory over the Rock Cats by going 3 for 4 with a home run, a double, and two runs scored.

8/3 Cup of Coffee

As the parent club clawed and scratched to come back and win 6-4 last night over the Royals, ex-prospect Chip Ambres blasted his 2nd home run for Kansas City since being dealt on July 19. On that note, let's take a look at how some of his former teammates did yesterday. The PawSox won in grand fashion 7-0 over Syracuse behind Abe Alvarez's 7-inning, 2-hit gem. Alvarez had a perfect game going into the 6th until former Sox farmhand Joe DePastino broke up the bid with an infield single. Roberto Petagine , who continues to knock on Boston's door, blasted his 20th home run of the season. Both Kevin Youkilis and Justin Sherrod went 2-3 on the afternoon. Roughly 170 miles north, in Portland, another pitching gem was turned in by the highly-touted Anibal Sanchez as he cruised through seven innings of work, allowing only three hits while striking out seven, lowering his already-miniscule ERA to 0.98. Brandon Moss and David Murphy drove in the only runs of the game. After being embarrassed the night before in a 14-3 loss vs. Frederick, Wilmington came back with a vengance by beating the Keys, 13-2. Jeff Ontiveros went 3-6 two doubles, while Matt Van Der Bosch had three singles while going 3-4 on the night. Ian Bladergroen boosted his average a bit by going 3-6 with two doubles and two ribbies. Overshadowed in this offensive onslaught were the combined efforts of pitchers Tommy Hottovy, Justin Sturge, and Mike James, who combined to hold the Keys to just five hits. In low-A action, Andrew Pickney led off the tenth inning by clouting the game-winning home run, leading Greenville's 7-6 win over Columbus. Jeff Natale went 3-5 with a double and base knocked in. Both Claudio Arias and Ian Cronkhite went 2-4 on the night as well on pace to the Bombers' win. Although he did not factor in the decision, Roger Lincoln pitched well, going six innings, allowing two runs on six hits. Lowell topped Brooklyn 2-1 at LaLacheur last night, with Jed Lowrie leading the way at the plate with 2-3 night with a ribbie. Mario Pena went six strong innings, allowing no runs on four hits to pick up his fifth win of the season. The GCL Red Sox were the only team keeping the Sox organization from a clean sweep yesterday, as they lost 6-1 to the GCL Twins. The only offesnive star for the Sox was Emilio Linares, who went 2-3 with a home run, scoring the Sox lone run of the game. Australian product Tim Cox took the loss, dropping his record to an even 1-1 on the year.
Players of the Day/Night: Tied - Abe Alvarez and Anibal Sanchez, who both threw 7 shutout innings in their respective teams' wins.

8/2 Cup of Coffee

While the Sox had the night off, the affiliates were busy in action last night. The PawSox dropped their 2nd game in a row to Syracuse 6-5. With a 5-4 lead in the eighth, Cla Meredith gave up two runs to open the door for the SkyChiefs en route to his fifth loss of the season. Kevin Youkilis, Roberto Petagine and Kelly Shoppach all belted HRs for the home team. Mike Lockwood went 3-4 with an RBI on the night. Everyone's favorite whiff king - Mark Bellhorn - proceeded to go 0-5 in his 2005 rehab debut.
That sound you hear in the background is the "Free Jon Lester" chants on the SoxProspects board growing louder and louder as Jon Lester himself picked up his 8th win of the season, going the full nine for the complete game win over New Britain 4-2. At the plate, David Murphy had himself a night, going 2-4 with a HR and 2 RBIs. Jeremy West also hit a dinger along with a pair of ribbies himself. Both players accounted for the Sea Dogs run total.
It was a painful sight as Wilmington got crushed by the Frederick Keys last night 14-3 at Harry Grove Stadium. The lone star of the night for the Rocks was Bryan Pritz, who went 1-3 with a double and two runs scored. Felix Romero took the loss, allowing four runs in the first three innings of work, dropping him to 3-6 on the year.
Greenville tried to mount a comeback against Columbus in the bottom of the 8th by scoring two runs to pull within three, but fell short 8-5. Henry Cabrera took the loss after giving up four earned in four innings of work, but finished the night with an impressive seven K's over those four innings. The offensive star for the Bombers was John Otness, who continues to swing a hot bat as of late, as he went 3-4 with two knocked in, upping his average to .344 on the season. Not to be outdone was Chris Turner, who went 2-4 with a double, home run, and drove in a pair of ribbies himself. Lowell pounded out a 6 spot appropriately enough in the bottom frame of the 6th inning. Yahmed Yema had a 2-5 night in which he scored two and picked up two doubles on the night helping the Spinners causes. Ryan Phillips picked up the win for the Spin, going six innings, giving up only one earned, while lowering his already sparkling ERA to 1.85. Last, and certainly not least, the GCL Red Sox lost in their game versus the GCL Twins, 4-1. Rich Garces aka "El Guapo", only went one inning of work, but proceeded to pick up a K in the first inning. 3B Manny Rafael had a pair of singles while going 2-3 on the day.
Player of the Night: Portland's Jon Lester, who went the distance over New Britain, allowing only two earned runs and striking out six in nine innings of work, improving his record to 8-4.