PawSox Storm Back, Fall 4-3 to RailRiders

MOOSIC, Pa. - The Pawtucket Red Sox mounted one of their best and most resilient comeback efforts of the season but could not overtake the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders in a 4-3 loss Thursday night at PNC Field.
Down 4-0 through five innings after waiting out a 41-minute rain delay before first pitch, the PawSox (54-74) got a two-run homer from C.J. Chatham in the sixth to halve the deficit. Then in the ninth when down to their final strike, PawSox leadoff man Cole Sturgeon (3-for-5, R, RBI) yanked an RBI double into the right-center gap and scored Gorkys Hernández from first base to make it a one-run deficit, 4-3. Moments later, Chatham waged a tough at-bat against Chance Adams and smoked a ball to the right-field warning track, where RailRiders outfielder Ryan McBroom made a jumping catch into the wall to finish the ballgame.
The RailRiders (69-60), who took three out of four in the series, entered the night with a one-game lead in the International League's North Division. Pawtucket has now played in 39 one-run games and 31 two-run games this season.
PawSox starter Ryan Weber (L, 1-4) spun six innings of four-run ball, and Travis Lakins and Domingo Tapia followed with hitless frames in relief.
Scranton starter and former Bishop Hendricken star and state champion Mike King (W, 1-1) matched a professional career-high with 11 strikeouts in 6.2 innings of two-run work. Then in his first true relief outing, No. 1 Yankees prospect Deivi Garcia fanned five in two frames before Adams (S, 1) recorded the final out.
The RailRiders used an RBI single in the first, a two-run double in the fourth and an RBI groundout in the fifth to construct a 4-0 lead.
Chatham skied a two-run homer - his second big fly during his 10-game stint in Triple-A - into the left-field bullpen in the sixth inning.
The PawSox now head northwest and tangle with the Buffalo Bisons (Toronto Blue Jays) on Friday at 7:05 p.m. Pawtucket right-hander Teddy Stankiewicz (5-7, 4.06) is scheduled to oppose Bisons righty Conor Fisk (5-6, 5.14). 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.
Following the seven-game road trip through Scranton and Buffalo, the PawSox return home for a nine-game homestand August 26th through September 2nd (Monday-Monday) against the Yankees' and Phillies' Triple-A affiliates.
On August 27 (Tuesday), the PawSox will again play as the popular Osos Polares de Pawtucket. Then on August 29 (Thursday), the PawSox will host Team Poster and Autograph Night. The first 5,000 fans entering the stadium will receive a full-color PawSox Team Poster suitable for framing. From 5-6 PM before the game, fans will also be allowed on the field for pictures and autographs with their favorite players. On August 30 (Friday), the PawSox will take the field as the Pawtucket Fightin' Quahogs in a name change that pays homage to one of Rhode Island's most famous cuisines. The PawSox will wear caps and jerseys featuring the Fightin' Quahogs logo for the second game of that Friday doubleheader. On August 31 (Saturday), fans can enjoy post-game fireworks set to music from Motown. On September 1 (Sunday), fans can play catch on the field and then run the bases post-game on a Sunday FunDay.
During the homestretch, the PawSox will admit for free children 16 and under. They'll also let "kids run the show" at each game. Parents also have the option to partake of a new "End of Summer Family Bargain" in which they each receive a General Admission ticket, $2 in loaded value (good for food, beverage, or merchandise), and a PawSox cap, all for $12 (a $26 value).
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.