Six-Run Fourth Inning Powers Pawtucket to 8-1 Win

PAWTUCKET, R.I.  - Backed by an explosive six-run fourth inning, Roenis Elías delivered his best start of the season, as the Pawtucket Red Sox stormed past the Columbus Clippers, 8-1, on Friday night at McCoy Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd.
The PawSox (59-59) sent 10 the plate in that sixth running en route to winning their fifth consecutive game and the second in as many nights to begin the four-game series with the Clippers (61-58).
Elias (W, 1-3), in his sixth start of the current rehab assignment coming back from an intercostal muscle strain, logged a season-best 6.2 innings of one-run ball in which he fanned five and totaled a season-high 90 pitches (61 strikes). Right-hander Kyle Martin then allowed four hits in 1.1 innings but didn't allow a run thanks to a trio of crucial strikeouts. Fellow righty Austin Maddox dazzled in a 1-2-3 ninth inning in which he struck out the side, leaning heavily on his mid-90s fastball.
Pawtucket second baseman Tzu-Wei Lin (3-for-5, R, 2 2B, 2 RBI) and shortstop Deven Marrero (2-for-4, R, 2B, 2 RBI) contributed multi-hit games, while center fielder Rusney Castillo, third baseman Matt Dominguez and designated hitter Bryce Brentz each clobbered a home run. Brentz' big fly - a solo shot in the fourth - left the bat at 108 MPH, traveled 450 feet and was his 27th of the season. Since May 23, when he transitioned from a leg kick to a toe tap, Brentz has hit 23 home runs, behind only Giancarlo Stanton and Cody Bellinger in all of professional baseball (MiLB and MLB).  
Columbus starter Julian Merryweather (L, 3-4) allowed six runs on six hits and two walks in 3.2 innings with five strikeouts.
Columbus broke a scoreless tie in the top of the fourth when cleanup man Richie Shaffer led off by vaulting a solo homer to left field to make it 1-0.
Pawtucket, though, responded with its six-run outburst in the home half of the fourth. Brentz led off with his mammoth shot to left to tie the game. Later in the frame, with two outs, Marrero bounced an RBI single behind the mound to push Pawtucket ahead. Lin then followed with a two-run double into the left-field corner, and Castillo stroked a two-run homer to deep right-center to extend the lead to 6-1.
In the bottom of the eighth, Dominguez lifted a one-out solo home run to left-center, and Marrero later tacked on an RBI double to widen the margin to 8-1.
The PawSox continue their four-game series with the Columbus Clippers (Cleveland Indians) on Saturday at 6:15 p.m. at McCoy Stadium. PawSox right-hander Héctor Velázquez (7-3, 1.93) is scheduled to oppose Clippers lefty Ryan Merritt (9-5, 2.97). Radio coverage on WHJJ (920 AM) and throughout the PawSox Radio Network begins with PawSox Insider at 4:45 p.m.
The seven-game homestand runs through Sunday (August 13). 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.