PAW SOX NOTEBOOK: DURHAM BULLS

MAY 5^th                       DURHAM (19-10)     at     PAWTUCKET (17-12)        1:05 pm    

 

Durham Bulls RHP Jake Odorizzi (2-0, 3.33) vs. Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Steven Wright (1-0, 1.93)   

Sunday Series Finale – The Pawtucket Red Sox play the finale of their 4-game series (and their 8-game homestand) this afternoon when they host the Durham Bulls at 1:05 pm at McCoy Stadium.  The PawSox will be bidding to win this series outright today after taking 2 of the first 3 games thus far.  They had a similar opportunity earlier during this homestand when they won 2 of the first 3 vs. Columbus but the Sox had to settle for a split of that series when they dropped the finale, 6-5 in 15-innings on Tuesday afternoon.  Pawtucket is 2-2-3 in their first seven series of the season (two series wins, two series losses, and three series splits).  Pawtucket is 4-3 on this 8-game homestand.  The Sox went 5-3 on their initial homestand from April 11-18.

This Series vs. Durham – Pawtucket had their modest 2-game winning streak snapped yesterday with a 4-1 defeat to Durham.  The Sox had rolled to wins in each of the first two games of this series with Durham by a combined 14-2 score (10-1 victory on Thursday followed by a 4-1 triumph on Friday).  Thus, the Sox had won two in a row for the first time in nearly three weeks since a season-high 5-game winning streak from April 9-14.  The PawSox also saw their 6-game home winning streak against Durham come to an end yesterday (they are now 2-1 here at McCoy this season vs. Durham following a 4-0 mark at home vs. the Bulls last season).  Pawtucket has still outscored the Bulls in their last 7 meetings by a combined score of 48-22.  Pawtucket’s victories over Durham last year were by 15-10, 9-5, 2-0, and 7-1 scores and this season by 10-1 and 4-1 margins.  Today is Durham’s final game at McCoy this season unless the teams face each other in the Governors’ Cup Finals.  The clubs won’t meet again until just after the All-Star break for a 4-game series in Durham from July 18-21.

Days Shifts Into Night – The PawSox are 6-8 in days games compared to 11-4 in nights games.  So including this afternoon’s contest, half of the first 30 PawSox games this season will have been day games and the other half night games.  That trend will change now that the first month or so of the scheduled is complete.  After today, only 22 of Pawtucket’s final 114 games this season will be considered day games (and that includes a handful of 5:00 pm road starts which technically are considered day games).

Run for a Cause – The PawSox had overtaken Durham for the International League lead in Runs Scored on Friday but Durham’s 4-1 victory yesterday enabled the Bulls to reclaim the lead.  Durham has scored a league-high 157 runs this season compared to 155 for the PawSox.  Durham is hitting .272 (2^nd best in the IL) while Pawtucket is 4^th in team batting at .259.

Repeat After Me – The PawSox began the season with a 4-game winning streak (April 4-7) and quickly followed that up with a season-high 5-game winning streak (April 9-14).  Since that point they had not been able to win back-to-back games from April 15-30 until winning their first two games in May.  The good news is they have not lost more than two in a row all season.  Pawtucket has had just three 2-game losing skids thus far (April 15 & 16, April 18 & 20, and April 25 & 26).  They need a victory today to avoid dropping back-to-back games.

May Underway – Pawtucket is 2-1 in May.  They are scheduled to play 29 games this month.  Last year the PawSox had their winningest month of the season in May going 18-12.  The PawSox finished April with yet another winning month (15-11) as they have now had just two losing months in their last 12 full months (13-15 in May of 2011 and 13-15 in June of 2012).  They have had 9 winning (full) months and one .500 month in their last 12 months of action dating back to August 2010.

Final April Numbers – PawSox batters hit .257 in 26 games in April.  Justin Henry (.338 in 20 games), Brandon Snyder (.324 in 21 games), and Jeremy Hazelbaker (.311 in 21 games) led the way among regulars.  Snyder, Hazelbaker, and Brentz all had 5 HR while Snyder & Brentz paced the club with 18 RBI.  On the pitching side, the Sox were 15-11 with a 3.96 ERA.  Oscar Villarreal led the way with 4 victories while Ryan-Rowland Smith had the best ERA (0.55) followed by Pedro Beato (1.80) and Jose De La Torre (1.88) with others close behind.

Homer Happy – Pawtucket has pounded 10 HR in their last 5 games – they had hit a total of 10 homers in their previous 17 games combined from April 11-27.  As a result the Sox are tied for 2^nd in the league with 28 HR (tied with Rochester and two behind Buffalo).  The PawSox are 11-7 when they homer in a game.

Go Play Outside – Their last series against Columbus marked Pawtucket’s first games outside their division this season.  The PawSox had played each of their first 22 games against their IL North rivals (going 13-9).  However, the Sox are now playing against teams outside their division for a 32-game span (4-3 thus far).  They will ultimately play 16 games against IL West opponents and 16 more against IL South foes from April 27 – May 30.  That stretch will end on May 31 when Syracuse of the IL North comes to town.

Trying to Climb Back on Top – The PawSox raced to a 9-1 start and a 2½-game lead atop the division through April 14.  However, Buffalo has won 14 of their last 19 games, took over the division lead on April 20, and the Bisons now have a 2-game advantage over the 2^nd-place PawSox (the Sox were a season-high -3 GB on April 26, 28, and 30).

Turn the Beat Around – The Sox are 7-7 in their last 14 games.  They have lost 11 of their last 19 games following their 9-1 start to the season.   The 9-1 start was the best in franchise-history.  Pawtucket has not lost more than 2 in a row this season.  They have had a 4-game winning streak (April 4-7) and a 5-game winning streak (April 9-14).

In the Clutch – PawSox batters are hitting .302 with runners on base (125-for-414), .415 with the bases loaded (17-for-41), and .292 with runners in scoring position (80-for-274).  However, they are hitting .241 with two outs and runners in scoring position (28-for-116).

PAW SOX LOOK TO BOUNCE BACK

APRIL 9^th      PAWTUCKET (4-1)  at  LEHIGH VALLEY (2-3)    7:05 pm  

Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Steven Wright (0-0) vs. Lehigh Valley IronPigs RHP Tyler Cloyd (0-1) 

PawSox Suffer First Defeat in 14-5 Loss to Lehigh Valley – Pawtucket jumped out to a 5-1 lead in the 2^nd inning, but could not sustain the advantage as the IronPigs plated the game’s next 13 runs without an answer.  Jeremy Hazelbaker led off the game with a solo homer and Bryce Brentz added a two-run shot later in the 1^st.  The PawSox scored two more in the 2^nd on an RBI single by Jonathan Diaz and a sacrifice fly from Justin Henry.  But, the pitching staff allowed a run in every frame except the 6^th and served up three Lehigh Valley home runs. Both Hazelbaker and Diaz collect two hits in the loss.  Starter Rubby De La Rosa lasted just 2.1 innings allowing 5 runs, all earned, on 4 hits (2 HR) with 3 k’s while throwing 49 pitches.

A History-Making 2012 Season – Pawtucket had a memorable 2012 season…for a couple of different reasons.  The PawSox were the IL wild card winner and made the playoffs for the second year in a row.  They will be attempting to make it to the post-season in 2013 for the third consecutive year which would be a first in franchise-history.

Road-Tripping to Start the Year – The Pawtucket Red Sox will continue their 7-game roadie that featured a 4-game sweep in Moosic against the RailRiders and a 3-game set in Allentown, PA against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs Tonight and finishing tomorrow night at 7:0.

The Road Home – The PawSox will make their 2013 McCoy Stadium Thursday, April 11 when they host the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05 pm.  Returning PawSox players will receive their 2012 Governors’ Cup Championship rings in special pre-game ceremonies on Thursday night.  The PawSox play Rochester for four games April 11 and 12 at 7:05 pm and then over the weekend on April 13 & 14 at 1:05 pm.  The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will visit next for a 4-game set from April 15-18 with games at 6:15 pm, 12:05 pm, 6:15 pm, and 12:05 pm.

Big Papi at McCoy? – Multiple media reports have speculated that injured Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz could continue his rehab (heel injuries) with the PawSox as early as next week when the PawSox return to McCoy Stadium from April 11-18.  We will keep you posted as we get further information on. 

Last Year vs. Lehigh Valley – Pawtucket and Lehigh Valley finished the 2012 season-series knotted at 8 victories apiece. The PawSox went 5-3 at home vs. the IronPigs but 3-5 here in Allentown. 

Stats vs. Lehigh Valley - The PawSox hit .259 in the 16 games vs. the IronPigs with 16 HR while Sox pitchers were 8-8 with a 2.83 ERA vs. Lehigh Valley with 10 HRA. The PawSox out-scored the IronPigs by a 75-49 margin during the 2012 the season-series.  

All-Time vs. the IronPigs – The Pawtucket Red Sox and the Lehigh Valley IronPigs have met 80 times in the regular-season since Lehigh Valley entered the International League in 2008. The PawSox hold a 45-35 advantage. That does not include Pawtucket’s 0-3 mark vs. Lehigh Valley in September of 2011 in the IL Playoffs which was the first playoff meeting between the clubs (and the first post-season appearance in the young history of the IronPigs).  

10-6 Good Buddy - The PawSox won the 2011 season-series over Lehigh Valley by a 10-6 margin (finishing 6-2 at home at McCoy Stadium and 4-4 in Lehigh Valley). Lehigh Valley had gone 10-6 vs. the PawSox in both 2009 and 2010 – winning 10 times as many games against the PawSox in both those years than they did in all of 2008 (1-15) – their first year in the International League. The PawSox won the first nine games (ever) vs. Lehigh Valley in 2008 before losing on July 5, 2008 at McCoy, 5-2. That was their only loss that year vs. the IronPigs as the Sox finished 15-1 vs. Lehigh Valley – their most victories in a single-season against any single IL club ever.

PAW SOX LOOK FOR SECOND STRAIGHT WIN TO OPEN SEASON TONIGHT

APRIL 5^th      PAWTUCKET (1-0)  at  SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE (0-1)    7:05 pm

 

Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Allen Webster (NR) vs. Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders RHP Dillan Betances (NR) 

 

PawSox Home Past RailRiders – Pawtucket used a five-run 10^th inning, including two homers, to slug their way past Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on opening night, 8-4. Trailing 2-0 into the 5^th, the PawSox tied the game on a two-run homer by Brandon Snyder (playing in his first game in the Boston Org.) and took the lead thanks to a two-out RBI single by Brock Holt. The ‘Riders would tie the game in the 7^th on a sacrifice fly by Thomas Neal.  In the 10^th, Jeremy Hazelbaker launched a one-out solo homer to grab the lead for good.  Ryan Larvanway and Bryce Brentz each added RBI doubles and Justin Henry blasted a two-run homer.  Starter Steven Wright went four innings allowing 2 runs on 4 hits. The bullpen of Graham Godfrey, Jose De La Torre, Alex Wilson and Anthony Carter allowed just 2 runs in the final 6 inning of the game. The staff walked 11 in the game and struck out 14.   

Happy New Year – The defending International League Champion Pawtucket Red Sox and the newly-named Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin their rendezvous with destiny tonight at 7:05 pm at new-look PNC Field in Moosic, PA with the 2013 season-opener to help start the 130^th year of the International League.  The PawSox will be bidding for their 8^th straight Opening Night victory this evening.  Their last loss in a season-opener came in 2005 when Red Sox Hall of Famer Curt Schilling (making a rehab start for the PawSox) suffered a 7-5 defeat in Indianapolis.  Since then the PawSox have captured their last seven season-openers (5 at home and 2 on the road).

A History-Making 2012 Season – Both Pawtucket and Scranton/WB had memorable 2012 seasons…for a couple of different reasons.  The PawSox were the IL wild card winner and made the playoffs for the second year in a row.  They will be attempting to make it to the post-season in 2013 for the third consecutive year which would be a first in franchise-history.  The Scranton/WB Yankees won the 2012 IL North division for the 6^th time in the last 7 years despite playing on the road all season while PNC Field was being renovated.   (The only season Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has not won the IL North between 2006-2012 came in 2011 when the PawSox were division champs).  The Sox and Yanks met in the IL semi-final playoffs last September with Pawtucket taking the series, 3 games to 1.  The PawSox then went on to sweep the Charlotte Knights to capture their first Governors’ Cup Championship in 28 years (since 1984).

One Year Ago (Almost) – 364 days ago the PawSox beat Buffalo, 4-2 at McCoy Stadium in the 2012 season-opener to debut with a victory for the 7th year in a row.  Justin Germano was the starter and winner while a pair of players who would soon find their way to Boston keyed the offense with 2B Pedro Ciriaco (4 hits, 2 RBI) and 3B Will Middlebrooks (3 hits, 2 doubles) leading the way.

History-Making Opening Acts – The PawSox have now won eight straight season-openers as they have continued to build onto this new club-record (prior to this current streak their longest Opening Day winning streak was all of two games – in 1990 & ’91).  The winning streak began with a 3-2 win vs. Indianapolis on April 6, 2006 at McCoy.  In 2007 the PawSox opened in Charlotte on April 5 and rolled to a 7-4 victory.  The PawSox won their third Opening Night game in a row (a franchise first) with a 3-0 shutout at home against Indianapolis behind Bartolo Colon and three relievers on April 3, 2008 (equaling their earliest start to a season ever).  In 2009 the PawSox earned their fourth consecutive Opening Night victory with a 6-4 triumph in Buffalo on April 9.  Their Opening Night winning streak reached five in a row with an 11-3 rout of Rochester on April 8, 2010 at McCoy. The Sox made it six consecutive with a well-played, 2-1 victory over Rochester on April 7, 2011 at McCoy.  And last year the PawSox again opened at home and again began victorious with a 4-2 decision over Buffalo.

More Good News – Pawtucket has also won 9 of their last 10 season-openers – their only loss during this stretch an Opening Day 7-5 setback at Indianapolis on April 7, 2005 with Curt Schilling suffering the defeat.  Over a longer span, the PawSox have come up winners in 9 of their last 11 season-openers following an 8-game Opening Day losing streak that stretched from 1993-2001.

Next Year is Here - The Pawtucket Red Sox will start the 2013 season with this 7-game roadtrip that features this 4-game series in Moosic against the RailRiders (tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night all at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 1:05 pm) followed by a 3-game set in Allentown, PA against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs next Monday through Wednesday nights (all at 7:05 pm).

The Road Home - The PawSox will make their 2013 McCoy Stadium Thursday, April 11 when they host the Rochester Red Wings at 7:05 pm.  Returning PawSox players will receive their 2012 Governors’ Cup Championship rings in special pre-game ceremonies on Thursday night.  The PawSox play Rochester for four games April 11 and 12 at 7:05 pm and then over the weekend on April 13 & 14 at 1:05 pm.  The Lehigh Valley IronPigs will visit next for a 4-game set from April 15-18 with games at 6:15 pm, 12:05 pm, 6:15 pm, and 12:05 pm.

Big Papi at McCoy? – Multiple media reports have speculated that injured Boston Red Sox DH David Ortiz could continue his rehab (heel injuries) with the PawSox as early as next week when the PawSox return to McCoy Stadium from April 11-18.  We will keep you posted as we get further information on.

 

PAW SOX SET TO OPEN 2013 SEASON

APRIL 4^th      PAWTUCKET (0-0)  at  SCRANTON/WILKES-BARRE (0-0)    7:05 pm

 

Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Steven Wright (NR) vs. Scranton/Wilkes Barre RailRiders LHP Vidal Nuno (NR)  

Happy New Year – The defending International League Champion Pawtucket Red Sox and the newly-named Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders begin their rendezvous with destiny tonight at 7:05 pm at new-look PNC Field in Moosic, PA with the 2013 season-opener to help start the 130^th year of the International League.  The PawSox will be bidding for their 8^th straight Opening Night victory this evening.  Their last loss in a season-opener came in 2005 when Red Sox Hall of Famer Curt Schilling (making a rehab start for the PawSox) suffered a 7-5 defeat in Indianapolis.  Since then the PawSox have captured their last seven season-openers (5 at home and 2 on the road).

A History-Making 2012 Season – Both Pawtucket and Scranton/WB had memorable 2012 seasons…for a couple of different reasons.  The PawSox were the IL wild card winner and made the playoffs for the second year in a row.  They will be attempting to make it to the post-season in 2013 for the third consecutive year which would be a first in franchise-history.  The Scranton/WB Yankees won the 2012 IL North division for the 6^th time in the last 7 years despite playing on the road all season while PNC Field was being renovated.   (The only season Scranton/Wilkes-Barre has not won the IL North between 2006-2012 came in 2011 when the PawSox were division champs).  The Sox and Yanks met in the IL semi-final playoffs last September with Pawtucket taking the series, 3 games to 1.  The PawSox then went on to sweep the Charlotte Knights to capture their first Governors’ Cup Championship in 28 years (since 1984).

One Year Ago (Almost) – 364 days ago the PawSox beat Buffalo, 4-2 at McCoy Stadium in the 2012 season-opener to debut with a victory for the 7th year in a row.  Justin Germano was the starter and winner while a pair of players who would soon find their way to Boston keyed the offense with 2B Pedro Ciriaco (4 hits, 2 RBI) and 3B Will Middlebrooks (3 hits, 2 doubles) leading the way.

History-Making Opening Acts – The PawSox come into tonight having won seven straight season-openers as they have continued to build onto this new club-record (prior to this current streak their longest Opening Day winning streak was all of two games – in 1990 & ’91).  The winning streak began with a 3-2 win vs. Indianapolis on April 6, 2006 at McCoy.  In 2007 the PawSox opened in Charlotte on April 5 and rolled to a 7-4 victory.  The PawSox won their third Opening Night game in a row (a franchise first) with a 3-0 shutout at home against Indianapolis behind Bartolo Colon and three relievers on April 3, 2008 (equaling their earliest start to a season ever).  In 2009 the PawSox earned their fourth consecutive Opening Night victory with a 6-4 triumph in Buffalo on April 9.  Their Opening Night winning streak reached five in a row with an 11-3 rout of Rochester on April 8, 2010 at McCoy. The Sox made it six consecutive with a well-played, 2-1 victory over Rochester on April 7, 2011 at McCoy.  And last year the PawSox again opened at home and again began victorious with a 4-2 decision over Buffalo.

More Good News – Pawtucket has also won 8 of their last 9 season-openers – their only loss during this stretch an Opening Day 7-5 setback at Indianapolis on April 7, 2005 with Curt Schilling suffering the defeat.  Over a longer span, the PawSox have come up winners in 9 of their last 11 season-openers following an 8-game Opening Day losing streak that stretched from 1993-2001.

Next Year is Here - The Pawtucket Red Sox will start the 2013 season with this 7-game roadtrip that features this 4-game series in Moosic against the RailRiders (tonight, tomorrow night and Saturday night all at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 1:05 pm) followed by a 3-game set in Allentown, PA against the Lehigh Valley IronPigs next Monday through Wednesday nights (all at 7:05 pm).

GOVS’ CUP: PAWSOX TAKE GAME 1

By: Mark Harriman, Senior Editor

PAWTUCKET (September 11)- The PawSox continued their September playoff run with a 7-2 victory over the Charlotte Knights in Game 1 of the 2012 Governor’s Cup series. Pawtucket was helped out by a combination of the long ball and a fluke first inning injury to Knights starting pitcher Charles Leesman.

Homers Make The Difference in a 7-2 Win

On the hill with a 1-0 lead under his belt in the bottom of the first, Leesman gave up back to back singles to leadoff hitter Nate Spears (2-5, 2 Runs) and Tony Thomas (2-4, HR), which brought J.C. Linares to the plate.

With his 11^th and final pitch of the night (7 strikes), Leesman induced a bouncer to Seth Loman at first. In the ensuing race for the bag, Leesman collided with Loman, who ultimately made the putout on Linares unassisted. Spears and Thomas moved up a base on the play.

But that collision sent Leesman (12-10, 2.47 ERA, 1.55 WHIP in 2012) sprawling to the ground, clutching his left knee. Down for several minutes , the lefty from Cincinnati, OH eventually struggled to his feet and left the field under his own power, though with the assist from two teammates.

Choosing to save his bullpen, Charlotte skipper Joel Skinner summoned his scheduled Wednesday starter Andre Rienzi (5.1 IP, 3 ER, 7 K, 3BB) from the bullpen. Given an unlimited warm-up time, the Brazilian righty took his time getting loose from several distances near the mound.

Given the delay and the total of two runs scored, it took 36 minutes to complete the first inning.

“It’s too bad for Leesman to have that happen to him,” said PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler after the game. “He’s one of the best pitchers in the league and to have something like that happen, that‘s no fun for anybody.”

Even less fun for Charlotte was the presence of Danny Valencia in the Pawtucket lineup. He greeted the Knights’ sudden long-relief man with a sacrifice fly to right that scored Spears and tied the game.

And it was Valencia who put the PawSox ahead to stay in his next at bat when he crushed an inside fastball from Rienzo over the Amica sign in left for a two run homer and a 3-1 lead.

The PawSox third baseman had been struggling in the playoffs thus far (2-15, .133BA), but he turned around his fortunes with his second homer of the playoffs and three RBI’s on the night.

Knuckleballer Steven Wright (1-0, 7 IP, 6 H, 2 ER, 6K, 2 BB, 2.57 ERA) overcame a shaky first inning to retire 10 in a row before turning the ball over to Alex Wilson to start the 8^th. Josh Fields finished out the game for Pawtucket and smoked an 96 MPH 0-2 fastball by RF Brandon Short to end the game.

“In the first inning I kinda got a little excited. A little amped up. Started rushing,” Wright said standing in front of his locker in his red tee-shirt. “And once I rush it (the knuckleball) starts to stay up….Once I kinda calmed down and stayed back I was able to keep the ball down in the zone.”

Tony Thomas (HR, 2 RBI) and J.C. Linares (2-4, HR, RBI, 1 Run) put the game out of reach when they connected for back-to-back homers on consecutive pitches in the 3 run seventh inning.

PAWSOX Notes:

-RF Bryce Brentz continued his torrid hitting pace, going 2-3 with a double, triple, walk and run scored. Brentz is now batting .471 (8-17) in the 2012 playoffs.

-The PawSox look to take a 2-0 lead in the 80^th Governor’s Cup series tomorrow night at home. The two teams will travel to Charlotte for Game 3 on Thursday. Games 4 and 5, if necessary, will be played on Friday and Saturday at Knights Stadium in Fort Mill, SC.

-The winner of this series will face the winner of the Pacific Coast League finals (Reno Aces vs. Omaha Storm Chasers) in the Triple A National Championship game in Durham, NC on September 18 (NBS Sports Network).

-Pawtucket last grabbed The Cup in 1984 when Tony Torchia guided the team to a five game victory over the Maine Guides. There are 16 players on the current roster who were not yet born in 1984. But P Nelson Figueroa was. He was 10 years old back then. at 38, he is the current graybeard in the locker room (Now that Scott Atchison is up in Boston).

-The PawSox also won The Cup in its 1973 inaugural season in the International League. Hall of Famer Jim Rice and his teammates bested Charleston that year.

-With tonight’s win, Pawtucket won its first Governors’ Cup game in 28 years, having been swept in the finals in 1991 (Columbus) and 2003 (Durham). It also marked its first home win during the series since September 10, 1978, a span of 34 years. All three PawSox wins in 1984 came on the road.

-International League President Randy Mobley was on-hand at McCoy to take in the festivities. He’ll be spending the day in the office tomorrow rather than stick around for Game 2. He’ll make the trip to Charlotte for Game 3 on Thursday.

-The International League’s Governors’ Cup was launched in 1933 and sponsored by the Governors of Maryland, New Jersey and New York, as well as the Lt. Governors of the Canadian Provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The original Cup was retired to the Baseball Hall of Fame in 1988. The “new” trophy has been in circulation for 24 years.

PAW SOX SET FOR GAME 1 OF GOVERNORS CUP

SEPTEMBER 11^th      GOVERNORS’ CUP FINALS                   GAME 1    7:05 pm

 

CHARLOTTE       at       PAWTUCKET                              Series Tied 0-0

 

Charlotte Knights LHP Charlie Leesman (1-0, 1.13)/(12-10, 2.47)

Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Steven Wright (NR)/(0-1, 3.15)  

 

PawSox Playoff Baseball – The 2012 IL Wild Card Champion Pawtucket Red Sox play Game 1 of the 80^th Annual Governors’ Cup Finals championship series (best 3 out of 5) vs. the IL South Champion Charlotte Knights tonight at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium.  The PawSox are appearing in their first finals series since 2003 (lost 3 games to 0 to Durham) and looking to win their first Governors’ Cup since 1984 (won 3 games to 2 over Maine).  Charlotte won the 1999 Governors’ Cup which was their last appearance in the championship round.  They also won the Cup in their only other finals appearance in 1993.  The ’99 champs were affiliated with the White Sox while the ’93 title came as an Indians affiliate. Both the Knights and the PawSox are in search of their third Governors’ Cup as Pawtucket won in 1973 and 1984.  The PawSox lost in the finals in 1977, 1978, 1991, and 2003.

History in the Making – Pawtucket is bidding to win a game in the Governors’ Cup Finals for the first time in nearly 28 years since they won the decisive Game 5 of the 1984 Governors’ Cup on September 13, 1984 in Old Orchard   Beach, Maine defeating the Maine Guides, 3-0 behind winning pitcher George Mecerod.  Pawtucket was swept 3 games to none in each of their last two Governors’ Cup appearances in 1991 by Columbus and 2003 by Durham.  Furthermore, all three PawSox wins in that 1984 series came in Maine as the Sox lost the first two games at home before winning three straight at Maine.  Thus, the PawSox have not won a Governors’ Cup Finals game here at home since September 10, 1978 (34 years ago) when they beat Richmond, 7-3 in Game 5 of the Governors’ Cup Finals.  The Sox went on to lose to the Braves in 7-games that year as the championship series was a best of 7 back then until switching to a best of 5 in 1980.

Oh to be Young Again – Thanks to Chris Sprague of the IL Office for pointing out this factoid…only 9 of the 25 players on the current PawSox playoff roster were born when the PawSox last won the Cup in 1984.  They are Billy Buckner, Nelson Figueroa (the elder statesman who was 10 at the time), Tony Pena, Jr., Steven Wright (who was 15 days young at the time), Mike Rivera, Jon Hee, Andy LaRoche, J.C. Linares (who probably didn’t get Governors’ Cup results in Cuba those days), and Jason Repko.  PawSox manager Arnie Beyeler was a 20 year-old star infielder for WichitaStateUniversity back in 1984.

We Want the Cup – When Frank “Shag” Shaughnessy introduced his playoff system to the International League in 1933, the Governors’ Cup was born. Sponsored by the Governors of New York, New Jersey, and Maryland, as well as the Lieutenant Governors of the Canadian Provinces of Quebec and Ontario, the trophy known as the Governors’ Cup has been awarded to the International League’s postseason champion in each of the 79 years since. The original Governors’ Cup now resides at the National Baseball Hall of Fame, while a new trophy has been in circulation since 1988.

How The PawSox Arrived Here – Pawtucket finished 5-games behind Scranton/WB in the IL North division, but had the 4^th best record in the league (79-65) to qualify for the post-season as the Wild Card.  In the league’s predetermined playoff format the Wild Card winner always plays the IL North Champ in the first round of the playoffs so the Sox and Yankees met for the right to play for the Governors’ Cup.  Pawtucket won the first two games at home last Wednesday and Thursday, 7-4 and 3-2 (both come-from-behind victories).  The series shifted to Rochester (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s home away from home) on Friday night with the Yankees staving off elimination thanks to a 3-run rally in the bottom of the 9^th-inning for a 4-3 victory.  The PawSox took the series, 3 games to 1, with a 7-1 triumph on Saturday night (thanks to a 7-run 2^nd-inning uprising) to win a playoff series for the only the second time since their 1984 championship (a semi-final series win over Ottawa in 2003 the other).  The Sox also improved to 2-10 in their last 12 playoff series since ’84 and are now 34-51 all-time in the post-season (15 years) since 197

PAW SOX HOST SCRANTON: GAME II TONIGHT

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre at Pawtucket Red Sox..Game 2 Tonight at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium….Pawtucket leads best of 5 series, 1 game to 0

Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees

Kevin Russo                 3B

Corban Joseph             2B

Ronnier Mustelier           LF

Luke Murton                  1B

Melky Mesa                  CF

Austin Romine               C

Cole Garner                   RF

Ramiro Pena                 SS

Darnell McDonald          DH

RHP Ramon Ortiz           13-6

Pawtucket Red Sox

Jeremy Hazelbaker        DH

Tony Thomas                2B

J.C. Linares                   CF

Danny Valencia             DH

Andy LaRoche              1B

Nate Spears                  3B

Dan Butler                     C

Bryce Brentz                 RF

Jon Hee                        SS

LHP Chris Hernandez     1-4

PAW SOX TAKE ON SCRANTON IN GAME 1 TONIGHT

SEPTEMBER 5^th      GOVERNORS’ CUP SEMI-FINALS            GAME 1  7:05 pm 

SCRANTON/WB (84-60)    at    PAWTUCKET (79-65)               Series Tied 0-0 

Scranton/Wilkes-Barrre Yankees RHP John Maine (8-5, 4.97) vs. Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Zach Stewart (3-5, 3.94)  

 

PawSox Playoff Baseball – The International League’s 80^th Annual Governors’ Cup Playoffs begin tonight when the 2012 IL Wild Card Champion Pawtucket Red Sox play Game 1 of this best 3 out of 5 semi-final series vs. the IL North Champion Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium.  The PawSox (79-65) finished 5-games behind Scranton/WB (84-60) in the IL North division, but in the league’s predetermined playoff format the Wild Card winner always plays the IL North winner in the first round of the playoffs – thus the PawSox and Yankees meet for the right to play for the coveted Governors’ Cup.  The division rivals play tonight and tomorrow night in Pawtucket for Games 1 and 2 (both at 7:05 pm) before the series shifts to Frontier Field in Rochester (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s predominant home away from home this season) on Friday night for Game 3 at 7:05 pm.  Games 4 and 5 (if necessary) would also be played in Rochester on Saturday at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 6:05 pm.

Post-Season Returns –While Pawtucket came up short this year in their attempt to capture back-to-back IL North regular-season titles for the first time in franchise-history, the PawSox did indeed qualify for the International League Playoffs for the second straight season.  The Sox, who won the IL North title in 2011, have been in the post-season in back-to-back years four other times in club-history…1977-78, 1986-87, 1991-92, and 1996-97.  They have never made the playoffs in three straight seasons.  Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler becomes just the third manager to ever lead the PawSox to the post-season in consecutive years following Joe Morgan in 1977-78 and Ed Nottle in 1986-87.

Let’s Try it Again – Prior to this season, the PawSox had last earned the IL Wild Card playoff berth in 2008 when they lost in the 1^st round of the playoffs to IL North Champion Scranton/WB.  Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, meanwhile this season, has won their 6^th IL North title in the last 7 years. They won five straight North Division crowns from 2006-2010 before the Sox broke that streak last year.  The Pawtucket and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchises will be facing each other in the post-season for the third time.  The PawSox lost to the Scranton/WB Red Barons in 1992 and the Scranton/WB Yankees in 2008 (both series – which were in the semi-finals – finished 3 games to 1 in favor of Scranton/WB).

A Not So Happy Anniversary – This Friday night will mark the 4^th Anniversary of Pawtucket’s last playoff game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre which took place on September 7 of 2008 in Moosic, PA.  In that game Shelley Duncan of the Yankees drilled a walk-off 2-run HR off PawSox reliever Edgar Martinez in the bottom of the 10^th-inning to end a terrific pitching duel between Phil Hughes of the Yanks and Bartolo Colon of the Sox and give the Yankees a 2-0 series-clinching victory to eliminate the PawSox, 3 games to 1 in the IL semi-finals.  Scranton/WB went on to win the 2008 Governors’ Cup.

A Prelude to a Championship – After their best 3 out of 5 series this week, one of these teams will advance to the Governors’ Cup Championship next week.  If it’s the PawSox they will be in search of their 3^rd Cup but their first since 1984 while Scranton/WB would be going for their 2^nd Cup after capturing the Governors’ Cup for the only time in 2008.

PAW SOX PLAYOFFS BEGIN TONIGHT

FOR SEPTEMBER 5^th      GOVERNORS’ CUP SEMI-FINALS   GAME 1  7:05 pm

 

SCRANTON/WB (84-60)    at    PAWTUCKET (79-65)               Series Tied 0-0

 

Scranton/Wilkes-Barrre Yankees RHP John Maine (8-5, 4.97) vs. Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Zach Stewart (3-5, 3.94)  

 

PawSox Playoff Baseball – The International League’s 80^th Annual Governors’ Cup Playoffs begin Wednesday night when the 2012 IL Wild Card Champion Pawtucket Red Sox play Game 1 of this best 3 out of 5 semi-final series vs. the IL North Champion Scranton/Wilkes-Barre Yankees at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium.  The PawSox (79-65) finished 5-games behind Scranton/WB (84-60) in the IL North division, but in the league’s predetermined playoff format the Wild Card winner always plays the IL North winner in the first round of the playoffs – thus the PawSox and Yankees meet for the right to play for the coveted Governors’ Cup.  The division rivals play Wednesday & Thursday nights in Pawtucket for Games 1 and 2 (both at 7:05 pm) before the series shifts to Frontier Field in Rochester (Scranton/Wilkes-Barre’s predominant home away from home this season) on Friday night for Game 3 at 7:05 pm.  Games 4 and 5 (if necessary) would also be played in Rochester on Saturday at 7:05 pm and Sunday at 6:05 pm.

Post-Season Returns –While Pawtucket came up short this year in their attempt to capture back-to-back IL North regular-season titles for the first time in franchise-history, the PawSox did indeed qualify for the International League Playoffs for the second straight season.  The Sox, who won the IL North title in 2011, have been in the post-season in back-to-back years four other times in club-history…1977-78, 1986-87, 1991-92, and 1996-97.  They have never made the playoffs in three straight seasons.  Pawtucket manager Arnie Beyeler becomes just the third manager to ever lead the PawSox to the post-season in consecutive years following Joe Morgan in 1977-78 and Ed Nottle in 1986-87.

Let’s Try it Again – Prior to this season, the PawSox had last earned the IL Wild Card playoff berth in 2008 when they lost in the 1^st round of the playoffs to IL North Champion Scranton/WB.  Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, meanwhile this season, has won their 6^th IL North title in the last 7 years. They won five straight North Division crowns from 2006-2010 before the Sox broke that streak last year.  The Pawtucket and Scranton/Wilkes-Barre franchises will be facing each other in the post-season for the third time.  The PawSox lost to the Scranton/WB Red Barons in 1992 and the Scranton/WB Yankees in 2008 (both series – which were in the semi-finals – finished 3 games to 1 in favor of Scranton/WB).

A Not So Happy Anniversary – This Friday night will mark the 4^th Anniversary of Pawtucket’s last playoff game against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre which took place on September 7 of 2008 in Moosic, PA.  In that game Shelley Duncan of the Yankees drilled a walk-off 2-run HR off PawSox reliever Edgar Martinez in the bottom of the 10^th-inning to end a terrific pitching duel between Phil Hughes of the Yanks and Bartolo Colon of the Sox and give the Yankees a 2-0 series-clinching victory to eliminate the PawSox, 3 games to 1 in the IL semi-finals.  Scranton/WB went on to win the 2008 Governors’ Cup.

A Prelude to a Championship – After their best 3 out of 5 series this week, one of these teams will advance to the Governors’ Cup Championship next week.  If it’s the PawSox they will be in search of their 3^rd Cup but their first since 1984 while Scranton/WB would be going for their 2^nd Cup after capturing the Governors’ Cup for the only time in 2008.

MAURO GOMEZ NAMED IL MVP FOR 2012

The Pawtucket Red Sox, in conjunction with the International League, are pleased to announce today that former PawSox and current Boston Red Sox 1B/DH Mauro Gomez has been chosen as the 2012 International League Most Valuable Player.  Gomez was also elected to the 2012 post-season International League All-Star Team as the DH along with former PawSox and current Red Sox teammates C Ryan Lavarnway and SS Jose Iglesias.

The post-season All-Star Team and Award Winners are selected by the league’s managers, coaches, media, and club representatives.  Gomez, Lavarnway, and Iglesias are the first PawSox All-Stars since 2008 when four Pawtucket players were placed on the squad – 1B and MVP Jeff Bailey, 2B Joe Thurston, OF Chris Carter, and RHP Charlie Zink.

Gomez, 27, becomes the 7^th player in PawSox franchise-history to earn IL MVP honors.  The others were Jim Rice in 1974, Ted Cox in 1977, Gary Allenson in 1978, Dave Stapleton in 1979, Pat Dodson in 1986, and Jeff Bailey in 2008.  Gomez hit .310 in 100 games for Pawtucket with 34 doubles, 24 HR, and 74 RBI.  He is currently 4^th in the league in batting, tied for 2^nd in HR and 4^th in RBI despite being called-up to Boston four different times this season – the last time on August 18 where he has remained since.  Mauro is also tied for 2^nd in the IL with 34 doubles, leads the league with a .589 slugging pct. and 59 extra-base hits, and is 3^rd in total bases (228).  He played 52 games at 1B, 8 at 3B, and was the DH in 40 games for Pawtucket this season.  Signed by the Red Sox as a free agent last February after hitting .304 with 24 HR & 90 RBI for the Gwinnett Braves last year, Gomez, a native of the Dominican Republic, made his Major League debut with Boston this May and in 14 games with the Red Sox is batting .292 with 1 HR & 6 RBI.

Lavarnway, who turned 25 this August, was recalled to Boston on August 1 after spending the first four months of the season with Pawtucket.  In 83 games for the PawSox (80 at catcher) he hit .295 with 22 2B, 8 HR and 43 RBI.  His .295 average is 10^th best in the International League.  He was voted Best Defensive Catcher in the IL by league managers.  Ryan was selected in the 6^th round of the 2008 draft after a standout career at YaleUniversity where he became the Ivy League’s all-time leader with 33 career homers.  The California native belted 34 HR last year combined between Portland (14), Pawtucket (18), and Boston (2).

Iglesias, 22, was one of the youngest players in the International League this season.  He was recently promoted to Boston for the second time this year on August 25.  In 88 games with the PawSox (all at shortstop) he hit .266 with 1 HR, 23 RBI, and 12 SB.  He was having a fine month of August batting .329 in 19 games this month.  Jose had the 4^th Lowest TPA/SO Ratio in the league at 8.61 (just 46 strikeouts in 396 plate appearances).  Iglesias, who was born in Havana, Cuba and now lives in Miami, FL, was signed by the Red Sox as an international free agent in September of 2009.  In both 2011 and 2012 he was voted Best Defensive Shortstop in the International League.  He would have easily established a new PawSox record for best fielding pct. for a SS last season had he played in three more games at short to qualify (he had a .973 fielding pct. in 97 games).

Some notable PawSox International League All-Stars over the years include: outfielders Jim Rice & Fred Lynn (1974), 3B Butch Hobson (1976), SS Glenn Hoffman & 3B Dave Stapleton (1979), LHP Bob Ojeda (1981), 2B Marty Barrett (1982), 3B Steve Lyons (1984), OF Mike Greenwell (1986), SS Tim Naehring (1990), 3B Scott Cooper (1991), RHP Aaron Sele (1993), RHP Bronson Arroyo (2003), C Kelly Shoppach (2004 & 2005), and INF Dustin Pedroia (2006).