Hassan homers again for PawSox

Alex Hassan got a brief taste of the Major Leagues last month. He's doing everything in his power to make it a full-course meal.

The Red Sox prospect homered for the fourth straight game Friday night, helping Triple-A Pawtucket rally for a 4-3 victory over visiting Buffalo.

With the PawSox trailing, 3-2, in the sixth inning, Hassan sent a 0-2 pitch from Bisons starter Esmil Rogers over the left-field wall at McCoy Stadium.

"I don't know what pitch it was, it might have been another changeup," said Hassan, who also walked in four plate appearances. "I hit pretty it high and it just got out of the park."

"Honestly, I'm not doing anything differently than I was. I think I'm just getting some pitches to hit and hitting them. As far as swing or routine, I haven't really changed anything."

Hassan got a brief callup to Boston on June 1, going 1-for-7 in two games. The chance to play in the big league was a shot to his morale, he said.

"I got called up to the big leagues, which is a huge confidence-boost, and I saw what that was like," he added. "When I came back, I just thought, 'That's where I want to play.' I've just been choosing to be confident and choosing to believe that I'm a good hitter the last two months."

The last two months have been a complete turnaround for the Massachusetts native. Hassan batted .217 with a homer and 19 games in 45 games in April and May. Since then, he's hitting .374 with five homers and 21 RBIs in 31 contests.

"I think the first two months were real important for me to figure out who I am as a hitter," Hassan said. "I think it's been a great learning experience for me and a great year developmentally as a player and as a person.

"I'm not really focused on results, I'm just trying to be confident and trusting that I'm a good hitter. Honestly, I thought I was going to hit at some point. I guess they're starting to fall now."

Dan Butler broke the deadlock with another solo blast in the seventh for the PawSox.

Reigning International League Pitcher of the Week Steven Wright (5-1) won his fifth straight decision after giving up three runs on four hits over eight innings. Tommy Layne worked a hitless ninth for his ninth save.

Ryan Schimpf hit a solo homer for the Bisons.