It’s great to be back home!

The PawSox had a long trip to western New York going 3-5 amidst snow flurries, two rain outs, two doubleheaders and a seven and a half hour trip back through the wee hours of the night to play a game 12 hours later. But that’s just part of the minor league life.

However the circumstances, the Sox began Saturday’s game quietly at the plate and Allen Webster did not have his “A-Game”. Three walks and a pair of runs allowed are hardly the norm for Webster.  The three walks are even too many for a full outing for the righty. But, he fought through the lack of fastball command and was able to grit his way through 4 innings allowing 4 runs. Trailing 5-2 into the 8^th, the Sox played one on an RBI double by Mark Hamilton before rallying in the 9^th.

Here’s how the rally went, walk, fly out, walk, RBI single, RBI single to tie the game, walk (bases loaded), pop out, walk….ball game.  PawSox 6-5 winners over Columbus in the first game of the series.

Game two had a similar feel as starter Terry Doyle, who had allowed a total of 22 base runners ALL SEASON, walked the bases loaded in the 1^st, allowed five runners (3 hits, 2 walks and 2 runs) in the 2^nd, 2 more hits in the 3^rd and 4 more hits in the 4^th (including a two-run double) before being taken out of the game trailing 5-0 after just 3.1 innings. All told, the righty had 14 base runners on against him.

Columbus added another run in the 6^th to extend their lead to 6-0.

Former Red Sox and PawSox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka started against Pawtucket and was perfect through 3 innings, but was forced to leave the game with an apparent oblique strain on his left side after throwing one pitch in the 4^th.

David Huff picked up where Dice-K left off and threw a spotless 4^th.  The PawSox would finally get a base runner in the 5^th when Bryce Brentz singled to center.  It took until the 7^th to get their first runs and they did it in a big way.

After a walk, Mark Hamilton hit a two-run homer to chase Huff.  Bryce Brentz then launched a solo homer and Dan Butler homered on the very next pitch to make it a 6-4 game. But more importantly, the PawSox hit back-to-back-to-back homers for the first time since May 17, 1997 (thanks Bill Wanless for the stat).

The Sox scored another run in the 8^th to make it 6-5, but stranded runners at 1^st and 2^nd with one out and didn’t threaten again.

It was very encouraging to see the PawSox battle back for a second straight day, albeit coming up short in game two.  But with the travel, the poor weather on the road and only being able to take batting practice twice the last 10 days, things will get turned around on the home front. And the weather the last two days has been SENSATIONAL!

Knuckleballer Steven Wright takes to the hill tomorrow night at 6:15 against one of the Indians top prospects, Trevor Bauer.  And, of course, it’s Dollar Menu Monday featuring all your favorite ballpark favorites, hot dogs, popcorn, chips, Cracker Jack and peanuts are just $1! What a deal and no better way to spend a Monday than with the PawSox at McCoy!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

The PawSox dropped game one of the series against Buffalo 5-3 on Tuesday. They had jumped out to a 3-0 lead after score three times in the first inning, two on a 2-run homer from Bryce Brentz, but the Buffalo offense was too much to be held down. Two players, Luis Jimenez and Josh Thole, brought home all five runs for the Bisons en route to their 9th straight win.

A constant rain on Wednesday washed away game two of the series setting up a doubleheader this afternoon. With a night off, so to speak, I had a chance to explore Buffalo.

I understand this is the home of the original Buffalo Wing and the restaurant that stakes claim to beginning the fade is called Anchor Bar. After consulting with some locals, I learned that Anchor Bar, while they may have created the famous Buffalo Wing, they are not the best in town. That distinction, so I’m told, belongs to Duffs. Now, Duffs is not within a short walk or cab ride, so Bob Socci and I decided to go to Gabriel’s Gate.

Being in Buffalo, we had to get wings and “The Gate” did not disappoint. We split an order of twenty and did not leave anything to spare.

We even had an entrée after. He went chicken sandwich. I went Rueben. We both were pleasantly stuffed, but it was delicious!

We arrived back at the hotel about 8pm and we both had a chance to relax to gear up for our doubleheader today…not so much. Fast forward to this morning at about 2:30am, I was fully engulfed in my best sleep in a week only to be startled awake to the fire alarm buzzing. The emergency message encouraged guests to make their way to the nearest stairwell. Our rooms are located on the 9th floor (the top of the hotel), so the walk of zombies down the stairs and outside into a light drizzle was less than ideal.

By the time we got out to the street, three fire trucks, an ambulance and two police cards were out front (excellent response time). We made our way into the lobby where the rest of the guests were gathered and everyone’s face said the same thing, “Really?”

Quickly, fire fighters were walking out of the hotel with their hoses wrapped up and they dispatched back to the station. The alarm continued to blare until 3:15, a full 30 minutes before someone could turn it off. Needless to say, it was tough to get back to sleep, I can only imagine what it was like for the players.

They showed some early signs of being tired in game one of the doubleheader as the PawSox did not have a base runner until the 5th inning against Dave Bush of Buffalo. Bryce Brentz broke up the perfecto with a single with one out after Bush retired the first 13 batters he faced.

Trailing 3-0 into the 6th, the PawSox woke up. After a single and an error, Drew Sutton lifted a two-run triple to put Pawtucket on the board, 3-2. Brandon Snyder followed with an RBI single to tie the game. They weren’t done. After Hamilton walked and Brentz flied out, Jeremy Hazelbaker launched a three-run homer to put the PawSox in front 6-3. After another single, Dan Butler crushed a two-run homer, his 1st, to make it 8-3 capping an 8-run inning.

Charlie Haeger was good enough in game one (5IP, 3R, 6H, 3BB, 4K) to earn his first win since 2011 and Jose De La Torre tossed two scoreless innings to secure the win.
Game two was all Buffalo as they slugged two first inning homers against Graham Godfrey and that would be all the offense they’d need. The PawSox had just five hits in getting shutout in the nightcap as 40-year-old Ramon Ortiz through enough slop to keep Pawtucket off balance.

With the split, the PawSox need a win Friday night with Chris Hernandez on the hill to finish the 8-game road trip 4-4. They earned a split with Rochester prior to coming to Buffalo.

The PawSox will be back in Pawtucket Saturday to take on the Columbus Clippers and fans will be treated to a postgame fireworks show to oldies music! Should be a blast (literally and figuratively).

A couple player moves to report, catcher Ryan Lavarnway was sent to Boston as pitcher Alfredo Aceves was sent to Triple-A and starter Steven Wright is back with the PawSox as well. The rotation now might feature TWO knuckleballers!

Happy NFL Draft day!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

Three games in two days? No big deal.

The PawSox were able to earn a series split with Rochester after splitting the doubleheader Sunday (winning 8-1 and losing 2-0) before beating to Red Wings last night 8-2.

A quick note on the doubleheader…It was snowing during the game on Saturday, but it was colder Sunday. The wind was blowing in from center which made the game time temperature of 37 feel worse. (weather.com had the actual temperature with wind shill at 27). I’m a “feel broadcaster” so I want to know what it feels like outside with the elements. Hot, cold, windy or whatever, my window is open. But to make things a little worse, our booth air conditioning was on (something we couldn’t control) until the middle of the second game…It was the first time I’ve ever worn a beanie while broadcasting and I couldn’t feel my fingers after the 3rd inning of game one. With all of this said, I couldn’t imagine actually being on the field and trying to throw a baseball or hit one. It would have been the kind of day to take an inside fastball to avoid getting jammed. I give those guys all the credit in the world for getting after it the way they did Sunday afternoon!

Now to last night’s game…Pawtucket scored twice in the 3rd inning on a Jackie Bradley Jr. two-run single and maintained that lead until the 6th. New England native Terry Doyle, who has been the ace of the staff thus far, did not allow a hit until there were two outs in the 5th. He surrendered his first run in the 6th on an RBI single by Jeff Clement, but got a double-play on the very next pitch to keep the 2-1 lead. He’d begin the 7th, but was removed after allowing a pair of singles. Oscar Villarreal came in and allowed a sac-bunt before an RBI ground out tied the game 2-2.

All year long, the PawSox have scored their runs in bunches. The 9th inning last night was no different as they plated six to go on to win 8-2. Drew Sutton delivered the go-ahead RBI with a double, Ryan Lavarnway added on with a two-run single, Bryce Brentz had a two-run triple and Mitch Maier plated a run with a groundout. Chris Carpenter closed out the bottom of the 9th by striking out the side on 16 pitches (11 strikes).

Jackie Bradley Jr. finished with as many hits as he had during his three weeks in Boston (3) including a double and two singles. He’s a “rhythm” hitter meaning once he gets himself going with his tempo and mechanics, he’ll be just fine. Let’s hope last night was the just the start.

Shortstop Jose Iglesias also added three hits yesterday and has been flashing some serious leather in the field.

So, here we are in Buffalo taking on the hottest team in the league. The Bisons have scored an average of 8 runs a game during their current 8-game winning streak (all on the road too!)

There are some familiar faces in the Buffalo dugout as International League MVP from 2012 Mauro Gomez is starting at 1st base tonight as is 3rd baseman Andy LaRoche. Both played for the PawSox last year and were key contributors to the Governors’ Cup Championship.

During batting practice, almost every player went up to Gomez to give him a bear hug and wish him well. So far, he’s hitting .314 with 3 HR and 8 RBI in 11 games with Buffalo. Let’s hope he cools off a bit during this series!

Tonight, Rubby De La Rosa tries to get himself back on the right track. He’s struggled mightily in his first three Triple-A starts to the tune of a 13.50 ERA (10 ER in 6.2 innings) and has not gone longer than 2.1 innings in any start. He’ll be limited again with his pitches (maybe 55-60) tonight, but the biggest problem for him thus far has been command and the lack thereof. It’s not so much walks (6), but all the deep counts and not being able to put away hitters with two strikes. A guy who throws 97 with a wicked changeup should be able to dominate in 0-2/1-2 counts. We’re still waiting to see that happen…maybe tonight is the night? We shall see.

The lineup for tonight’s series opener between the two top teams in the North Division:

Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
Drew Sutton 3B
Justin Henry DH
Brandon Snyder 1B
Bryce Brentz RF
Jeremy Hazelbaker LF
Jose Iglesias SS
Brock Holt 2B
Dan Butler C
And De La Rosa on the hill (Jeremy Kehrt to follow out of the ‘pen)

The PawSox return to McCoy Saturday to entertain Columbus and Durham for an 8-game homestand…Can’t wait to see you there!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

The PawSox dropped a tough one yesterday afternoon, 5-4, in the series opener against Rochester. Not only did Pawtucket commit three errors to aid in the Red Wings scoring four unearned runs, but the weather conditions didn’t make anything any easier.

The game time temperature was 38 degrees and snow flurries were intermittent throughout the game. Thermo gear was on as beanies, tights, hoodies and parkas were plentiful on and off the field.

Starter Charlie Haeger, who throws a knuckleball, said, “It was like I was throwing a cue ball”.

Having a postponement due to rain on Friday allowed me to explore Rochester a bit and take in some of the local cuisine. Bob Socci and I decided on the legendary Dinosaur BBQ. And it lived up to all the hype.

After the game yesterday, I headed to a local Italian joint called Tony D’s. It’s a wood fired pizza place, but had an amazing pasta special available. I’ve been told that upstate New York is known for “Mini Riggies”, aka, normal Rigtoni Pasta cut in half. Below is the meal I settled on last night, “Mini Riggies” with a chipotle pepper vodka sauce…pure delight!

On to baseball…the PawSox have a Doubleheader on tap for today because of the rain out Friday. The weather is brisk, but there is not even a breath of wind today! Graham Godfrey will make the start in Game 1 and Chris Hernandez will start in Game 2.

Lineup for Game 1:
Jackie Bradley Jr. CF
Justin Henry 3B
Ryan Lavarnway C
Mark Hamilton DH
Mitch Maier RF
Drew Sutton 1B
Jose Iglesias SS
Jeremy Hazelbaker LF
Jonathan Diaz 2B

A couple player notes: Allen Webster was scratched from his start yesterday because…he’ll be pitching in Boston today during the doubleheader with Royals. He’ll be the 7th starting pitcher used by the Red Sox already this year (Lester, Buchholz, Dempster, Aceves, Doubront and Lackey). Congratulations to Allen and we hope he pitches well enough to stick around.

Also, first baseman Brandon Snyder left yesterday’s game in the 7th inning with some tightness in his knee. He is out of the lineup for Game 1 today, but is rumored to be in lineup for Game 2.

This is the PawSox second doubleheader this year. They previously swept Rochester last weekend winning by final scores of 7-1 in both contests at McCoy.

Let’s Play Two!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

Happy Friday PawSox fans!

It has been an odd couple of days and most of it has nothing to do with baseball.  Boston has been rocked with tragedy with the incidents from Monday’s Marathon. And with today’s developing news about the suspects, I can only hope that this is going to come to some sort of a conclusion in very short order.

I do want to express my opinions on how amazing it has been to see the community coming together in this time of stress and fear.  The Boston Strong campaign has been tremendous.  The support and the unity that I have witnessed have been unprecedented.  The National Anthem at The Garden during the Bruins game was pure class and showed the resolve that lives within this community. I watched it and had chills. A lump was in my throat filled with pride for this great nation.  I can only imagine that if they play at Fenway tonight, what the response will be from the crowd and community.

Again, I hope this all comes to a swift conclusion in the very near future.

Off my political soap box and back on to the field.

The PawSox lost three of four to Lehigh Valley; their first series loss of the season. They still sit atop the North Division at 10-4, 1 game up on Buffalo (who beat Syracuse 27-9 yesterday).

The team is in Rochester for four days to take on the Red Wings (a team they swept in four games at home last weekend) before heading to Buffalo Tuesday.

Knuckleballer Charlie Haeger will start for Pawtucket tonight, making his 1^st appearance of the season coming off of Tommy John Surgery and missing the entire 2012 season.  It should be noted that the wind is whipping out to left field tonight at gusts of 35 MPH, so keeping the ball down will be crucial to Haeger’s success tonight.

Also, the PawSox will welcome young phenom Jackie Bradley Jr. to the roster.  He was optioned from Boston after the game last night and will be in the starting lineup tonight.  He was just 3-for-31 with the Red Sox after tearing up the Grapefruit League to the tune of a .419 average with 2 HR and 12 RBI in a team high 28 games.  We can only hope that his brief struggles in Boston will help him get better for the future.

Here is tonight’s lineup:

Bradley Jr. CF
Sutton 3B
Henry DH
Lavarnway C
Brentz RF
Snyder 1B
Holt 2B
Iglesias SS
Hazelbaker LF
Haeger on the mound

Here are a couple of pictures from the ballpark in Rochester…

While we will be playing baseball tonight in Rochester, the hearts of the PawSox players and broadcasters are with our brothers and sisters in Boston.  Boston Strong!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

After suffering an 8-6 loss to Lehigh Valley yesterday afternoon, the PawSox have lost two straight games for the first time this season. They still own a two game lead in the IL North standings over Syracuse, but need a pair of wins the next two days to split the series with the ‘Pigs.

It all comes down to limiting runs (as it always does). Lehigh Valley has scored a total of 57 runs this season, but 31 of those have come against Pawtucket. That’s an average of 7.8 runs per game against the PawSox. In their other 7 games, they’ve averaged just 3.7 runs.

Conversely, the PawSox have scored a total of 73 runs in 2013 and only once have they failed to score 5 runs in a game (Monday’s 8-3 loss to Lehigh Valley). That’s an average of 6.1 runs per game. They are 8-0 against the rest of the league averaging 6.8 runs per game, but 1-3 against the IronPigs scoring an average of 4.8 runs in each game.

Sorry for the number crunching only 12 games into the season, but the “Piggies” have gotten the best out of the PawSox pitching staff in the early going. If you take out the 31 runs scored on the staff, the PawSox have allow a TOTAL of 20 runs in the 8 other games this season. A stellar number.

Tonight, it’ll be Terry Doyle’s job to slow down the Lehigh Valley offensive attack. He’s been great to start the season ranking 7th in the IL with a 0.79 ERA in two starts this season and has allowed just 3 hits! An opponent’s average of .091 2nd best in the league. The New England native will be pitching on three day’s rest because of the promotion of knuckleballer Steven Wright to Boston yesterday.

The lineup for the third game of the four game set…

Brock Holt SS
Drew Sutton 3B
David Ortiz DH
Ryan Lavarnway C
Bryce Brentz LF
Mitch Maier CF
Brandon Snyder 1B
Jeremy Hazelbaker RF
Jonathan Diaz 2B
And Doyle on the bump

The PawSox have one more game at home (tomorrow at 12:05pm) during this 8-game home stand before heading to upstate New York to take on Rochester and Buffalo. They’ll return Saturday, April 27th for an 8 game, 9 day homestand. The 27th will be the PawSox first Fireworks night thanks to NBC 10 and it’ll also be the Classic Car & Motorcycle Food Drive.  Visit pawsox.com for more details about the upcoming promotions at McCoy.

While the team is away, we invite all PawSox fans and baseball fans alike to join us at McCoy Stadium April 20th at 11:30am for the game between Tolman High School and Newtown High School from Connecticut. It will be a very special game and all proceeds raised from the ticket prices will go to the families affected during the December tragedy at the Elementary School. Read more here… http://pawtuckettimes.com/content/tolman-baseball-team-play-newtown-high-mccoy-stadium

It’s gorgeous outside…a perfect night for baseball at McCoy and a wonderful night to get a win!

Go PawSox!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

Big Papi is in today’s starting lineup for the second straight day. But, it should be noted, that yesterday he was sratched right before his plate appearance. No clarification to that early exit was given.

He was originally scheduled to play Sunday as well, but was sick with a sinus issue. We don’t know whether he was still sick or if he aggrivated the heel issues that has plagued him since the beginning of spring training. Ortiz was seen running in the outfield moments before the PawSox took the field, but when his turn came up in bottom of the 1st, J.C. Linares went to the plate to pinch hit.

So, is he playing today or is he not? We’ll find out in the bottom of the 1st.

Steven Wright, today’s orginally scheduled starter, was also scratched. Lefty Chris Hernandez will pitch today instead.

The rest of the lineup:
Holt 2B
Igleisas SS
Ortiz?? DH
Lavarnway C
Brentz LF
Maier CF
Sutton 1B
Henry 3B
Hazelbaker RF

Two notes about last night’s 8-3 loss to Lehigh Valley…the PawSox are now 0-2 on Monday’s, but 9-0 on all other days of the week. In their only other loss (to the IronPigs on 4/8 in Allentown, PA), Pawtucket allowed 13 unanswered runs to fall 14-5…they allowed 7 unanswered runs last night and had just one hit after the 4th inning.

Also, Justin Henry is hot at the plate. He singled and walked in two at-bats last night and has 6 hits in his last 8 at-bats…

About to get going on the air…join Bob Socci and I by going to Pawsox.com.

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

Some news and notes from late Sunday and early Monday…

The PawSox finished off their four-game sweep of the Rochester Red Wings yesterday in dramatic fashion as Mitch Maier, who had just arrived from Extended Spring Training in Ft. Myers, blasted a walk-off 3-run homer in the 11th inning to win 5-2. Third baseman Drew Sutton had tied the game in the 7th 2-2 with a two-run single.

The pitching was stellar as the bullpen of Pedro Beato, Jose De La Rosa and Ryan Rowland-Smith combined to toss 7.1 scoreless frames allowing just one hit.

Sunday’s starter Jeremy Kehrt found out that he was going to be pitching about 4 hours before the first pitch. He had started the year on the disabled list with a right calf strain and he pitched admirably going 3.2 IP allowing 2 runs, 1 earned on 4 hits with a pair of strikeouts. He threw 66 pitches (40 for strikes). Pictures from Kelly O’Connor, smugmug.com.

David Ortiz was a late scratch do to flu like symptoms.

The PawSox are now 9-1 (a franchise best to start a season) and have won five straight games. Winning their first four games at home is also unprecedented. Needless to say, something special is happening right now at McCoy with the ‘Sox!

Today, the home stand continues as the Lehigh Valley IronPigs come to town for a four game set. The ‘Pigs are the only team to be Pawtucket this year, a 14-5 defeat at Coca-Cola Park in Allentown, PA.

Allen Webster makes the start for the PawSox tonight at 6:15 in his second “official” start. His last outing came in Allentown against Lehigh Valley, but the game was suspended after just two innings because of rain. In his Triple-A debut against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre, he went five shutout innings allowing just two hits with five strikeouts.

The lineup behind Webster will be as follows:

Brock Holt 2B
Jose Iglesias SS
David Ortiz DH
Mark Hamilton LF
Bryce Brentz RF
Mitch Maier CF
Brandon Snyder 1B
Justin Henry 3B
Dan Butler C

I’d be remiss if I didn’t express my thoughts on two other subjects.

First, Happy Jackie Robinson Day in Major and Minor League Baseball. It is a tremendous day to remember such an influential member of not only baseball history, but civil rights history. I have not had a chance to see the new movie 42 yet, but I hear it is very well done. But, no matter how good that movie is, it’ll pale in comparison to what he did to the game of baseball and American culture.

And secondly, what happened today at Boston Marathon is atrocious. I won’t dive into speculating on what happened because I don’t have any facts (nor does anyone else), but being 45 miles away from something of this nature is troubling to say the least. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of the people who have been killed and injured. My hope is that the authorities find out what happened in a timely fashion and that no more lives are lost.

It was a gorgeous day in Boston for Marathon Monday to celebrate Patriots Day. The Red Sox beat Tampa Bay in walk-off fashion and the Celtics and Bruins are headed to post season play soon. But to have something like this happen is truly saddening and I can only hope answers come quickly.

We’ll try to play a ball game tonight, but our thoughts are with our brothers and sisters in Boston.

Jeff
@Jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

The PawSox completed a doubleheader sweep over Rochester on Saturday by identical 7-1 scores.

In Game One tied 1-1 in the 6th, Pawtucket loaded the bases with no one out on a walk and a pair of bunt singles. Jose Iglesias followed with a bases load walk to put the PawSox in front 2-1. David Ortiz followed with a two run single, Ryan Lavarnway added a sacrifice fly and Drew Sutton chipped in a two-run double to cap a 6-run 6th inning to a 7-1 win.

New England native Terry Doyle was sensational for his second straight start allowing just a run on two hits with five strikeouts in a no decision. He would retire the final 10 batters he’d face. Oscar Villarreal tossed a scoreless 6th to earn the win and Chris Carpenter struck out a pair in a scoreless 7th.

Ortiz finished with just the one hit in four at bats. Ryan Lavarnway and Bryce Brentz added a pair of hits and everyone but Iglesias had at least one hit in the game.

In Game Two, Milford, MA native Chris Colabello gave the Red Wings a 1-0 lead on a solo homer, his 4th, in the first inning off of Rubby De La Rosa. But that would be the entire offense for Rochester.

The PawSox tied the game in the 1st on a two-out RBI double by Mark Hamilton. Back to back singles started the second inning before Brock Holt lifted a sacrifice fly to give Pawtucket a 2-0 lead. Jeremy Hazelbaker tacked on a solo homer in the 4th, his 4th, to take a 3-1 lead.

The 6th would be another great offensive inning for the PawSox plating four more runs (10 total in the 6th inning combined between the two games). They’d load the bases with nobody out before Mike O’Connor retired two batters. With two down, Justin Henry, who already had a pair of hits, laced a line drive off the leg of O’Connor to plate another run. Mark Hamilton then cleared the bases with a double to make it another 7-1 lead.

De La Rosa pitched just 2.1 innings for the second straight outing, but his command was much better in his second outing of the year. Graham Godfrey was sensational pitching behind De La Rosa. He would walk the first man he’d face, but would set down the final 11 batters he faced in order, including five strikeouts, to earn his first win.

In all, the pitching staff allowed just two runs and six hits and played flawless defense in the doubleheader. The PawSox improved to 8-1, adding to their franchise best start.

They’ll have a chance to sweep the series with a win Sunday afternoon with knuckleballer Steven Wright on the mound against Andrew Albers of the Red Wings…

Let’s play two indeed!! And sweep away Rochester tomorrow!

Go PawSox!

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com

Opening night was something special at McCoy on Monday night. The players and coaches received their championship rings from the ’12 Governors’ Cup, there were over 30 Color Guards represented by local law enforcement and fire departments, bagpipers and drum brigade and even three howitzers! Below is a visual look at what it looked like from the booth.

The bagpipers playing Amazing Grace truly choked me up…I’ve been a part of a lot of opening days, but none have ever come close to tugging on my heart strings like the festivities at McCoy. What an honor to be a part of it.

Once the game started, Big Papi injected a lot of life into the ballpark. He even got the go-ahead RBI single in the 5th inning. Jose Iglesias, back down in Triple-A after a great start in Boston, homered to tie the game in the 3rd inning and played flawless defense. Mark Hamilton added an RBI double and Drew Sutton singled home a run to cap the scoring in a three-run 5th to grab a 5-2 lead.

The bullpen was strong behind starter Chris Hernandez (4.2 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 5 K) as Jose De La Torre got the win going 2.1 innings allowing a pair of runs on a two-run homer while Ryan Rowland-Smith and Anthony Carter tossed scoreless frames to hold onto a 5-4 victory.

The Home Opening Win was the PawSox 4th straight. The last time Pawtucket dropped the opener at McCoy was 2009.

The PawSox and Red Wings were postponed last night due to continuous rain, sadly, so a double header is scheduled today beginning at 12:05pm. Terry Doyle will get the call on the mound in Game One and Rubby De La Rosa will twirl it in Game Two.

Game One lineup is as follows…

Brock Holt 2B
Jose Iglesias SS
David Ortiz DH
Ryan Lavarnway C
Bryce Brentz RF
Brandon Snyder 1B
Drew Sutton 3B
J.C. Linares CF
Jeremy Hazelbaker LF
And Doyle on the hill.

As the great Ernie Banks once said, “Let’s play two!”

Jeff
@jlevering4
jlevering@pawsox.com