PawSox Sweep Knights
(Charlotte, NC) - DH Blake Swihart's two-run triple in the ninth inning capped a three-run rally in the final frame to propel the Pawtucket Red Sox past the Charlotte Knights, 6-4, Sunday night at BB&T BallPark to complete a four-game series sweep in which three of the wins came in late come-from-behind fashion.
Pawtucket trailed 4-3 with one out in the ninth when Charlotte brought in lefty Donnie Veal (3-5) with no one on base. Garin Cecchini then singled and Deven Marrero walked to set the stage for Swihart, who lined his game-winning triple off the right-field fence to score each baserunner and put the PawSox in front 5-4.
With the victory, Pawtucket (68-54) moved a season-high 14 games above .500 and completed its second four-game sweep of the year. The PawSox also moved 2.5 games ahead of Rochester in the IL wildcard standings after the Red Wings lost in Indianapolis 10-0 on Sunday. The squad remained 1.0 games behind first-place Syracuse in the North Division as the Chiefs defeated Louisville 5-1 for their fifth win in six games.
Justin Henry drove a deep sacrifice fly to right field following Swihart's triple to conclude the scoring. After trailing 4-2 through six the PawSox plated a run in the seventh on Henry's fielder's choice grounder against reliever Scott Snodgress.
Henry Owens started for Pawtucket and allowed four runs on five hits in the third inning. Carlos Sanchez (RBI single), Avisail Garcia (RBI single) and Marcus Semien (RBI double) each collected run-scoring hits in the frame as Charlotte turned an early 2-0 deficit into a 4-2 lead.
Travis Shaw's RBI double in the top of the first opened the scoring against Knights starter Andre Rienzo. Marrero then went deep to left in the second to double the lead and pick up his first Triple-A homer. Rienzo, just optioned from the Chicago White Sox to make the start, settled down and lasted five innings and recorded six strikeouts.
Owens was charged with four runs, all earned, and eight hits in five innings of work. The left-hander struck out five and walked two in his second Triple-A start. Dalier Hinojosa (two innings, one hit, three strikeouts) and Alex Wilson (two innings, one walk) each tossed a pair of scoreless frames behind Owens with Wilson earning his second win of the series and improving to 6-1 on the season.
Alex Hassan (2-for-4), Marrero (2-for-3, walk) and Swihart (2-for-4, two RBI) each collected a pair of Pawtucket's nine hits. Veal was charged with three runs on two hits and a walk 0.2 innings pitched and took the loss and blown save.
Pawtucket's eight-game road trip continues with a trip to Gwinnett for four games against the Braves. Monday's opener is scheduled for a 6:35 pm first pitch, with the PawSox starting pitcher yet to be determined. Gwinnett will counter with righty Zach Stewart (5-3, 4.42). Radio coverage on 920 AM (WHJJ) and also streaming online begins at 6:20 pm.
Following the eight-game road trip the PawSox return to McCoy Stadium for an eight-game homestand that begins on Friday, August 15th at 7:05pm. The stand features four games against Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and four with Lehigh Valley. Good seats are still available at the McCoy Stadium box office, by calling (401) 724-7300 or by visiting pawsox.com.