Cup of Coffee: Henry dashes home as PawSox win in 10th

4/8 Cup of Coffee: It was a quiet night on the farm, as two of the three scheduled contests were postponed due to inclement weather. Pawtucket ended up as the only affiliate to play on Monday, opening its series with a thrilling 10-inning win. 

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Pawtucket kicked off a three-game series at McCoy Stadium with a 3-2 victory in 10 innings over the Syracuse Chiefs (WAS). Rehabbing lefty Craig Breslow started for the PawSox, pitching a perfect first inning as he nears his return to the major league squad. Chris Hernandez, who normally would have taken his turn in the rotation, came on in the second inning and allowed only one unearned run on seven hits in 4 2/3 innings. 

After Pawtucket got out to a 2-0 lead, the Chiefs rallied for single runs in the sixth and eighth, and the score remained tied into extra innings. Justin Henry (pictured), in his first game back after the birth of his second daughter, drew a one-out walk in the bottom of the 10th. After Henry stole second, Corey Brown was intentionally walked. Cleanup hitter Brandon Snyder came to the plate to try to deliver the walk-off, but he never got the chance. Chiefs reliever Daniel Strange uncorked a pair of wild pitches, allowing Henry to
advance to third and then sprint home with the game-winning run.

Pawtucket prevailed despite compiling only four hits. Henry and Brown were the only two batters to reach base twice: Brown with a double and intentional walk and Henry twice via the base on balls. Garin Cecchini added a base hit, extending his hitting streak to five games.

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Portland's game against the Trenton Thunder (NYY) was postponed due to rain. No make-up date has been announced. The two teams are scheduled to try again on Tuesday.   

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Greenville was also postponed by rain in what was scheduled to be the home opener of its Palmetto State rivals, the Charleston RiverDogs (NYY). The game will be played as part of a doubleheader on May 27. 

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Player of the Day: After celebrating the birth of his daughter, Justin Henry had an immediate impact in his return to the Pawtucket lineup. The versatile Henry got the start in center field and raced home with the winning run. 

Photo Credit: Justin Henry by Kelly O'Connor

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