Strikeouts and Solo Shots Win It for PawSox

PAWTUCKET, R.I. - Behind five no-hit innings from Erasmo Ramírez and three home runs, the Pawtucket Red Sox (41-58) defeated the Charlotte Knights (53-47) by a score of 3-1 to secure a series victory and a 6-6 homestand.
The PawSox got the scoring going early, as the red-hot Chris Owings scorched a solo shot in the top of the first inning on the 9^th pitch of an impressive at-bat.
They would add another on another solo homer in the second inning off the bat of Chad De La Guerra, who drilled a 1-1 pitch from starter Donn Roach into the right center field stands. This was De La Guerra's 10^th home run of the season, and his second since returning from the injured list during this homestand.
Home runs were a theme of this afternoon's ballgame as Rusney Castillo would hit one more solo home run, the third in as many innings. This brought the score to 3-0 after just three innings of play.
The Charlotte Knights recorded their first hit of the ballgame on a ground-rule double by Daniel Palka in the top of the 7^th. They would score one batter later on a Paulo Orlando single, bringing the score to 3-1. This would be the only hits and run the Knights could muster.
Travis Lakins tossed a perfect 9^th inning for the Sox, recording his 4^th save of the season.
The PawSox pitching staff struck out 12 batters, one short of tying a season high.
Moreland continues his rehab assignment (right quad strain) today for the PawSox, going 0-4 with three strikeouts before being replaced by Jantzen Witte in the top of the 9^th inning.
Erasmo Ramírez was absolutely dominant on the mound, firing five no-hit innings while allowing only one base runner on a third inning walk. Ramírez struck out six and threw only 54 pitches over those five innings. He was pulled for lefty Brian Johnson in the top of the 6^th inning.
Johnson made his first appearance for Pawtucket as a part of his rehab assignment (non-baseball related) today. Johnson pitched two innings, allowing two hits while striking out.
The PawSox will enjoy an off-day tomorrow before embarking on a 10-game road trip that begins Tuesday night against the Durham Bulls from Durham Bulls Athletic Park at 7:05 p.m.
Pawtucket right-hander Teddy Stankiewicz (4-6, 4.31) is scheduled to make the start on Tuesday.
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, two-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.