IL1 Pawtucket Red Sox

PawSox Force Extras with Comeback, Fall in 10th Inning

Published on July 26, 2018 under International League (IL1)
Pawtucket Red Sox News Release


PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Mike Miller and Aneury Tavarez headlined Pawtucket's comeback, but the Columbus Clippers outlasted the PawSox, 6-4, in 10 innings on Thursday afternoon in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000 at McCoy Stadium.

Much like Wednesday's middle game of the series, Columbus used a big inning late in the game to break a 1-1 tie. After the Clippers scored three runs in the sixth inning, Pawtucket responded with a run in the sixth and a run in the eighth to trim its deficit to 4-3. Then with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning, Pawtucket right fielder Aneury Tavarez pulled a solo homer to right field off former Red Sox reliever Ben Taylor to tie the game and force extras. Columbus, however, capitalized on a walk and error to score twice in the top of the 10th and claim the rubber meeting of the three-game series. The PawSox have dropped eight of their last nine games, three of which have been decided in extras and four of which have been decided by one run in walk-off fashion. All eight of the losses have been three-run games or closer.

Miller (3-for-4, R, SB) recorded his 14th multi-hit game of the season and is now 22-for-54 (.407) over his last 16 games - dating back to June 29 - the best average in the entire International League in that time. Half of Miller's multi-hit games have come in the last month.

In his first game since being activated after his option from the Red Sox, Pawtucket shortstop Tzu-Wei Lin went 2-for-5 out of the leadoff spot, upping his Triple-A OPS to .828. Tavarez (2-for-4, R, HR, RBI) aided the offense as well.

Pawtucket starter Matt Kent was summoned from Double-A to start in place of Thursday's initially-scheduled starter Jalen Beeks - who was traded to the Rays on Wednesday. In his Triple-A debut, Kent spun 5.1 strong innings and allowed four runs total (two charged to him after his departure). The quick-working lefty from Texas A&M punched out six against just one walk and ceded seven hits. Lefty reliever Bobby Poyner (2.43 ERA) didn't allow a hit over 1.2 innings, and Robby Scott (L, 1-2) surrendered two unearned runs in the 10th.

Columbus starter Adam Wilk gave up two runs (one earned) over six innings in which he walked four and scattered seven hits. Former Red Sox reliever and draftee Ben Taylor (W, 7-1) closed out the victory.

In the bottom of the third inning, Pawtucket designated hitter Sam Travis ripped a two-out RBI single into left field to plate third baseman Tony Renda and make it 1-0.

Columbus tied the game in the top of the fourth inning after a pop-up dropped on the Pawtucket infield, allowing the Clippers to later capitalize with an RBI single from catcher Eric Haase.

The Clippers climbed in front, 2-1, in the sixth inning with a double, hit batter and run-scoring double from Haase. After Pawtucket reliever Trevor Kelley replaced Kent with a pair of runners aboard, Columbus No. 9 hitter Eric Stamets socked a two-run single to left field to triple the lead to 4-1.

Pawtucket nabbed a run back in the home half of the sixth when Miller stroked a two-out single up the middle, moved to second on an errant pickoff throw and scored on an RBI double from left fielder Kyle Wren.

The PawSox inched within a run, 4-3, in the bottom of the eighth inning, as center fielder Rusney Castillo (1-for-3, R, 2 BB) singled, stole second, advanced to third on a wild pitch and scored on a sacrifice fly from Travis.

Tavarez blasted a 367-foot solo homer to right field in the bottom of the ninth to tie the game.

In the top of the 10th, Columbus worked a leadoff walk to place runners at first and second. Second baseman Drew Maggi popped up a sacrifice bunt in front of the plate. Pawtucket tried to nab a runner at third, but the throw sailed, and the Clippers wiggled in front, 5-4. Haase then lifted a sac fly to center to make it 6-4.

Following their three-game series with Columbus, the PawSox now welcome in the Charlotte Knights (Chicago White Sox) for a three-game weekend series that starts Friday at 7:05 p.m. Pawtucket right-hander Chandler Shepherd (4-7, 4.20) is scheduled to oppose Charlotte righty Jordan Stephens (3-3, 3.77). Radio coverage on WHJJ (920 AM and 104.7 FM) and throughout the PawSox Radio Network begins with the pre-game show at 6:35 p.m.

The homestand runs July 24-29 (Tuesday-Sunday). Good tickets are available, and fans can visit the McCoy Stadium box office, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., and during all home games. Fans can also call (401) 724-7300 or log on to PawSox.com for tickets.

Check out the Pawtucket Red Sox Statistics

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International League Stories from July 26, 2018


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