Five-Run 5th Leads PawSox Win

Pawtucket, RI - Pawtucket sent 11 batters to the plate and scored five runs in the fifth inning and Rubby De La Rosa settled in after a rough second inning to pitch a quality start as the PawSox defeated the Toledo Mud Hens, 5-3, Thursday afternoon in front of 5,242 fans at McCoy Stadium to earn a split in the four-game series. 

Corey Brown's three-run home run highlighted the big fifth-inning as the PawSox (20-15) avoided their first series loss of the season and finished their eight-game homestand with a 4-4 record. 

De La Rosa (2-2) lasted a season-long 6.2 innings and allowed only three runs (one earned) on four hits with six strikeouts. At one point he retired ten consecutive Toledo batters between the fourth and seventh innings.

Trailing 3-0 after four innings, Pawtucket quickly tied the score in the fifth against Mud Hens reliever Jhan Marinez (1-2) who issued back-to-back walks to Garin Cecchini and Christian Vazquez to begin the frame. That set the table for Brown, who walloped a 3-1 pitch just inside the foul pole in right for his third long ball of the season that tied the score at 3.

One out later Brock Holt grounded a triple into the right field corner, then Ryan Roberts walked to knock Marinez from the game in favor of Pat McCoy. McCoy allowed a go-ahead RBI single to Daniel Nava and an infield hit to Ryan Lavarnway that loaded the bases, and Bryce Brentz's fielder's choice grounder plated the fifth run of the inning.

Rich Hill (1.1 innings) and Drake Britton (1.0 innings) combined for 2.1 perfect innings in relief of De La Rosa, with Britton tossing a 1-2-3 ninth to earn his third save of the season.

Toledo's three runs scored when five consecutive batters reached with two outs in the second inning. De La Rosa allowed RBI singles to Ben Guez and Daniel Fields, while the pitcher's own throwing error allowed another runner to score. The right-hander then settled down and only allowed one more hit for the remainder of his outing.

The PawSox next head on the road for eight straight games beginning with a four-game series at Louisville and then continuing on to Indianapolis. Friday's opener is scheduled for a 6:35 pm first pitch, with PawSox right-hander Allen Webster (1-1, 2.77) starting against Bats righty Chad Reineke (0-3, 10.55). Radio coverage on 920 AM (WHJJ) and also streaming online begins at 6:20 pm.

Following the road trip the PawSox return to McCoy Stadium for a four-game series against Scranton from May 17th through May 20th. Good seats are still available at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com.