Lin And Back-to-Back Homers Win It for PawSox 5-4

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - The PawSox (43-58) won Game 2 of their three-game set against the Durham Bulls (59-44) by a score of 5-4 thanks to the second straight three-hit performance from Tzu-Wei Lin, who started in left field tonight.
Durham started out quick off starter Josh A. Smith, as they scored three runs in the bottom of the first inning. Dalton Kelly began the game with a single, being driven in by Kean Wong's 4^th triple of the season. Jesús Sánchez would drive in Wong one batter later on a line drive single. The third run was scored on a two-out double by Kevin Padlo, scoring Michael Perez, who reached base on a force out.
The PawSox would not go out quietly, responding in the top of the third. Chris Owings blasted a first pitch two-run shot, scoring Gorkys Hernández and bringing the score to 3-2. Rusney Castillo would go on to tie the game in the following at-bat, hitting back-to-back homers with Owings and tying up the score. This was the sixth time the PawSox have hit back-to-back homeruns this season, the first time since July 11^th.
Tzu-Wei Lin built off his 3-hit game from last night, hitting a two-run double in the top of the 6^th. He drove in Rusney Castillo who reached base on a single and Jantzen Witte who walked, pulling the PawSox ahead 5-3.
The Bulls took one back in the bottom half of the 6^th. Left fielder Jason Coats hit a solo shot off reliever Ryan Brasier, his 14^th of the season and his second in as many days. This was Brasier's second appearance for Pawtucket since being optioned on July 16^th, pitching the sixth inning, allowing one run and striking out 1.
Travis Lakins pitched a perfect frame in the 9th on only 7 pitches, recording his 5^th save of the season.
Despite allowing 3 runs in the first, Pawtucket's Josh Smith pitched well tonight. He tossed 5 solid innings, allowing only those 3 runs, while striking out 5. He served up only 2 hits after the first inning. Smith hasn't lost since May 23^rd and the win tonight moves his record to 5-2 on the Triple-A season.
The PawSox continue their 10-game road trip tomorrow night by wrapping up their three-game series against the Durham Bulls from Durham Bulls Athletic Park at 7:05 p.m.
Lefty Josh Hart (5-4, 3.86 ERA) gets the ball tomorrow night for the PawSox up against rehabbing starter Anthony Banda (0-0, 3.00 ERA) for Durham.
Radio coverage on WHJJ (920 AM and 104.7 FM) and throughout the PawSox Radio Network begins with the pre-game show at 6:35 p.m.
After stops in Charlotte, Lehigh Valley, and Syracuse, the PawSox return home for a brief, three-game homestand starting Friday, August 2^nd. The first 3,000 fans in attendance that night will receive a Jackie Bradley, Jr. replica jersey. Saturday, August 3^rd, is the final Free Youth Clinic, which will take place from 2:00 - 3:15 p.m. Super Heroes/Avengers-themed fireworks will follow. Sunday, August 4^th is another Family Funday, which will include pre-game catch on the field and post-game run the bases.
Good tickets 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.