August 31, 2011 at 8:25 AM
Haeger dominates Harrisburg en route to win
8/31 Cup of Coffee: The affiliates split 4 games on Tuesday, as another affiliate needed a late effort to avoid being no-hit.
Pawtucket lost to Rochester (MIN), 8-6. The Paw Sox found themselves down 6-0 after 2 innings. They brought it to as close as 6-4 after a 4-run 5th inning, but ultimately came up short. Despite the loss, Pawtucket outhit the Red Wings 15-8. Daniel Nava led the way, as he went 3-5 with an RBI and was a home run shy of the cycle. Lars Anderson also had a nice day at the office, going 3-4 with a double and 2 RBI. JD Drew went 3-3 with 3 singles as he continues his rehab assignment. Greg Smith started for the Paw Sox and took the loss. Smith allowed 6 hits and 6 runs in 5 innings pitched. He walked 3 and struck out 3.
Portland defeated Harrisburg (WAS), 4-1. The Sea Dogs jumped out to a 3-0 lead in the 1st inning on Reynaldo Rodriguez’ 3-run shot and didn’t look back. Rodriguez led the way offensively, going 2-4 with that 3-run homer. Alex Hassan also went deep, going 1-3 with 2 walks and a solo shot. Charlie Haeger started for Portland and continued to excel since being acquired by the Red Sox. Haeger pitched 8 innings, scattering just 2 hits and 1 run. He walked 4 and struck out 9. Haeger has a 2.45 ERA in 7 starts for Portland.
Greenville beat Augusta (SF), 5-3. After 4 innings, Greenville held a slim 2-1 lead. The GreenJackets tied the game in the top of the 5th, but the Drive scored 3 runs in the bottom of the inning, highlighted by a 2-run single off the bat of Brandon Jacobs. That 3-run cushion proved to be sufficient, as the Drive held on for the win. Michael Almanzar and Henry Ramos led the team offensively. Almanzar went 2-3 with a double, while Ramos went 2-4 with a triple and a steal. Tyler Wilson started for Greenville and earned the win. Wilson pitched 5 innings and allowed 3 hits and 2 runs. He walked 1 and did not record a strikeout.
Lowell lost to Brooklyn (NYM), 3-0. The Spinners became the 2nd affiliate in as many days to be on the wrong end of a bid for a no-hitter, following Greenville’s game on Monday. Lowell was held hitless through 7 innings. Jose Garcia led off the 8th with a single, and that was the only hit that the team would collect. Luis Diaz started for Lowell and took the loss, though he pitched pretty well. Diaz scattered 6 hits and a run in 6 innings of work. He walked 1 and struck out 6.
Player of the Day: Charlie Haeger. Haeger twirled 8 superb innings in Portland’s 4-1 victory over Harrisburg. He allowed just 2 hits and a run, while he walked 4 and struck out 9.