PawSox Drop Middle Game to Syracuse, 5-3

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Despite a pair of home runs, the Pawtucket Red Sox could not overcome an early deficit and fell to the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-3, on Saturday night at McCoy Stadium in front of a sell-out crowd of more than 10,000.
The Chiefs (30-42) struck for three runs in the top of the first inning and held off the PawSox (36-37), who had won four straight games. Syracuse, meanwhile, had lost 12 of its previous 13 games. The PawSox are 4-2 on the homestand, which concludes with Sunday's rubber game.
Pawtucket left fielder Sam Travis, who made his 11th career start in left field (including one in the majors), went 2-for-4 with a pair of singles and has now posted five hits over his last three games. Third baseman Mike Olt went 2-for-4 with a solo blast - his team-leading ninth long ball of the season.
PawSox starter Chandler Shepherd, who had notched a 1.93 ERA over his previous nine starts entering the weekend, allowed two earned runs (four total) on six hits and a walk in 2.2 innings. The bullpen then kept the PawSox within striking distance, as right-hander Fernando Rodriguez Jr. allowed a run in 2.2 stanzas, fellow righty Kyle Martin stifled the Chiefs over 2.2 shutout frames and Robby Scott tossed a scoreless ninth.
Syracuse starter Tommy Milone (W, 4-4) fanned eight in 6.2 innings of three-run work, and a trio of relievers, including right-hander Jimmy Cordero (S, 4) finished off the win for the Chiefs.  
Syracuse plated three runs in the first inning on a two-run homer from shortstop Adrían Sanchez and an error by the PawSox.
In the top of the second, the Chiefs extended their lead to 4-0 on the second of three Pawtucket errors.
In the bottom of the second, Olt blasted a solo homer just to the right of the left-field foul pole to trim the gap to 4-1.
An inning later, De Jesus mashed a solo blast to the left-field walkway to slice the deficit to 4-2.
Then in the third, the PawSox loaded the bases, and catcher Óscar Hernández worked a walk to make it 4-3.
Syracuse created some breathing room in the top of the sixth inning on a solo homer from left fielder Yadiel Hernandez.
The PawSox conclude their three-game series with Syracuse on Sunday at 1:35 p.m. Pawtucket left-hander Jalen Beeks (4-4, 2.65) is scheduled to oppose Chiefs righty John Simms (2-3, 3.48). The game will be broadcast live on myRITV, and radio coverage on WHJJ (920 AM and 104.7 FM) and throughout the PawSox Radio Network begins with the pre-game show at 1:05 p.m.
The 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.