Brentz Homers Again in 5-4 Loss to Durham

DURHAM, N.C. - Despite a pair of early home runs and a late rally, the Pawtucket Red Sox fell to the Durham Bulls, 5-4, in the road trip finale Sunday evening at Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
The PawSox (24-27) built a 3-0 lead after the top of the second inning, but Durham (34-21) surged ahead with a three-run third following a 24-minute rain delay after the top of the third. Pawtucket cut within a run in the ninth and placed the tying run at second base, but Durham survived to earn the series win in the rubber game.
In his Triple-A debut after being promoted from Double-A Portland on Saturday, PawSox starter Jalen Beeks (L, 0-1) ceded four runs on six hits and three walks with three punchouts. Beeks' only extended trouble of the night came in the third inning when, following the rain delay, Durham pushed across a trio of runs. The 23-year old southpaw settled in from there and quieted the Bulls until he turned it over to the bullpen.
Pawtucket reliever Ty Buttrey, who joined the team Sunday from Portland, also made his Triple-A debut and allowed a run in his two stanzas.
PawSox left fielder Bryce Brentz (2-for-4, R, HR, 2 RBI) hit his team-leading ninth home run of the season - and his fifth in the last 12 games. Center fielder Rusney Castillo (2-for-5) and shortstop Ryan Court (2-for-5, R, RBI) also added multi-hit nights.
Durham starter Ryan Yarbrough (W, 4-3) surrendered three runs on seven hits and no walks in six innings while piling up seven strikeouts. Hard-throwing reliever Diego Castillo followed with two scoreless innings before righty Jeff Ames (S, 2) nabbed the save despite allowing a run in the ninth.
The PawSox climbed out to a 2-0 lead in the top of the first when Brentz clobbered a two-run home run to left-center field.
Pawtucket added to the lead in the second when designated hitter Allen Craig ripped his first long ball of the season - a solo shot to right-center to make it 3-0.
Durham got on the board in the bottom of the second on an RBI single from first baseman Casey Gillaspie to trim the margin to 3-1.
Following the rain delay, the Bulls promptly forged a comeback. With two runners aboard, left fielder Jake Bauers delivered an RBI infield single to slice the gap to one. Durham then tied the game, 3-3, on a sacrifice fly from right fielder Shane Peterson. Beeks proceeded to walk the next two, the second of which came with the bases loaded and lifted the Bulls ahead, 4-3.
Pawtucket loaded the bases with one out in the top of the seventh, but Court lined into an inning-ending double play.
Later in the inning, Durham then extended its lead, 5-3, when center fielder Mallex Smith singled, stole second, moved to third on a wild pitch and scored on an RBI single from shortstop Willy Adames.
Down to their final strike in the ninth inning, the PawSox pulled within one when Court delivered an RBI single up the middle to score third baseman Jantzen Witte. Ames, however, struck out PawSox first baseman Steve Selsky to button up the victory.
Following their six-game road trip, the PawSox return home to McCoy Stadium to welcome the Syracuse Chiefs on Monday at 7:05 p.m. Radio coverage on WHJJ (920 AM) and throughout the PawSox Radio Network begins with the PawSox Pre-Game Show at 6:35 p.m.
The seven-game homestand runs through Sunday. Good seats are available, and fans can visit the McCoy Stadium box office, which is open Monday-Friday from 10 a.m. through 5 p.m., and during all home games. Fans can also call (401) 724-7300 or log on to PawSox.com for tickets.