PawSox Shut Out Iron Pigs To Take Series Win

Bryce Brentz hit a grand slam home run to highlight a seven-run second inning and Anthony Ranaudo tossed a five-inning complete game shutout as the PawSox blanked the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, 8-0, in a rain-shortened game on Tuesday afternoon at rainy and windy Coca-Cola Park to finish a four-game series win. 

Ranaudo (2-2) limited the Iron Pigs to only two hits and four total baserunners in earning the first complete game and first shutout of his professional career. He finished the effort by striking out the side in the fifth inning on nine total pitches right before the rain delay began.

Pawtucket (16-11) finished the month of April with wins in four of its last five games to move a season-high five games above .500. Brentz, whose grand slam against Lehigh Valley starter Barry Enright was his second homer in as many nights, drove in nine runs during the four-game series.

The PawSox sent ten batters to the plate in the second against Enright (0-2), beginning with a walk to Garin Cecchini and a single by Alex Hassan that put runners on the corners. Corey Brown's deep sacrifice fly to right plated the first run of the contest.

Justin Henry then walked and Brock Holt reached when Enright made a poor throw to second on a comebacker to the mound for an error that loaded the bases. Christian Vazquez and Daniel Nava followed with back-to-back RBI singles that made the score 3-0.

After Enright then struck out Brandon Snyder, Brentz delivered his grand slam on an 0-2 pitch deep into the bullpen in left field. It was his fourth home run of the season and first grand slam for a Pawtucket player this season.

Holt's RBI single against reliever Brad Lincoln in the third completed the scoring. The umpires waited 45 minutes after the tarp was pulled onto the field to call the game.

Ranaudo struck out a season-high-matching seven and walked a pair of batters in his five innings of work. Enright allowed seven runs (only two earned) on five hits in two innings of work.

The PawSox next return to McCoy Stadium for eight straight games beginning Thursdsay night against Indianapolis. Pawtucket right-hander Matt Barnes (1-0, 1.80) will get the start against against a pitcher yet to be determined, with first pitch scheduled for 7:05 pm. 

Limited tickets are available for all of the upcoming games at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com. Radio coverage on 920 AM (WHJJ) and also streaming online begins at 6:50 pm on Friday.