Lackluster day for affiliates as Pawtucket falters late, Greenville shut down

5/18 Cup of Coffee: A late lead in Pawtucket was erased by a poor showing from the bullpen and Greenville's offense was nearly non-existent, as neither of the two teams in action could bring home a victory Monday.

The beginning of Jacoby Ellsbury's rehab stint was not enough to stave off a late rally, as Pawtucket fell to the Syracuse Chiefs (WAS) 5-4. Starter Boof Bonser, making his fifth start, went 4.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits while walking 3 and striking out 3. The Pawtucket bats were quiet until the sixth, when Ellsbury's RBI single and Josh Reddick's sacrifice fly made the score 3-2 in favor of the Chiefs. In the seventh, Reddick gave the PawSox the lead as he laced an RBI triple that plated two. The triple was nearly turned into an inside-the-park home run but Reddick was tossed out at home. Reliever Joe Nelson struggled in the eighth, surrendering two runs to put Syracuse on top for good. Nelson pitched 2.0 innings, allowing the 2 runs on 2 hits, while surrendering 2 walks. Chad Paronto pitched 1.2 innings in relief of Bonser, allowing 1 run on 2 hits while striking out 1. Robert Manuel pitched a scoreless ninth inning to bring his ERA to 1.64. Ellsbury was 1 for 3 with an RBI before being removed for a pinch hitter in the ninth. Reddick and Jorge Jimenez both had two hit evenings to lead the Pawtucket offense.

Salem was rained out in their series opener against the Kinston Indians (CLE). The two teams will play a doubleheader beginning at 5 PM.

The Greenville Drive were blanked for the fourth time this month as they only mustered four hits in a 4-0 loss to the Lexington Legends (HOU). Greenville starter Manuel Rivera pitched 4.0 innings, allowing 2 runs on 7 hits, walking 2 and striking out 1. Following Rivera out of the bullpen was Jordan Flasher, who pitched 2.1 innings, allowing 2 runs on 5 hits. Dennis Neuman pitched the final 1.2 innings allowing just 2 hits. Only three members of the Greenville lineup collected hits, with Jeremy Hazelbaker leading the offensive output with a 2 for 4 evening.

Player of the Night: Josh Reddick, who went 2 for 3 with a triple, and 3 RBI in Pawtucket's 5-4 loss to Syracuse.

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