8/5 Cup of Coffee

The system split six games for the second straight day, winning at both the top and bottom level of the system. They were led by Pawtucket, who dominated the Syracuse Sky Chiefs, allowing just one run in 18 innings. In this day-night doubleheader, Chris Smith started Game One, scattering three hits and a walk in seven innings, while striking out eight in his first AAA start. Jeff Bailey singled home Trent Durrington in the first inning, and that was all the PawSox would need. Bailey later added a home run, while both Corky Miller and Alejandro Machado also added two hits for the boys from Rhode Island, who won 5-0. Game Two was a similar story, as Pawtucket cruised to a 5-1 win, this time on the right arm of Charlie Zink. Zink also went seven innings, scattering four hits and walking one, while striking out six. Zink improves to 7-1 on the year, while Jermaine Van Buren allowed one run in his two innings of work to spoil the 16 innings of shutout ball. Corky Miller added his 11th home run of the year, while Machado had another two-hit game. The Portland Sea Dogs had the opposite result of the Pawtucket club, as they were shutout 4-0 by Erie. The lack of offense spoiled a wonderful start by Jose Vaquedano, who allowed just one earned run in six innings, while striking out three. Iggy Suarez had a hit in his first AA game, one of four the Sea Dogs had on the night. The Blue Rocks played another 5-4 game, but this time found themselves on the wrong end of the scoreboard. Mario Pena went five innings, allowing three runs (only one earned) and was relieved by 2006 draftee Bryce Cox, who went two innings, striking out two and allowing one unearned run. Bubba Bell led the offense, going 2-for-4. Greenville lost 7-2 in a game started by Michael Bowden, who allowed four runs in five innings, while striking out six. Matt Mercurio had a nice day at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a double and a home run. Lowell won a tight, high-scoring affair, beating Staten Island 9-7. J.T. Zink gave up six runs (five earned) in 4 1/3 innings, but his start was salvaged by the Lowell offense. Justin Masterson threw two scoreless innings, continuing the excellent start to his minor league career. Both Reid Engel and Paul Smyth had three hits, one of Smyth's being a triple. Jon Still and Jorge Jimenez both added two hits apiece as the Spinners racked up 11 hits. The GCL Sox were rained out.

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