Four-Run Fourth Pushes WooSox to 6-2 Win Over Bisons

Downs Goes Deep, Muñoz Extends Hit Streak to 22 in Victory

By Cooper Boardman

July 30, 2021

WORCESTER, M.A. — The Worcester Red Sox (39-35) delivered four extra-base hits in a series-evening win against the Buffalo Bisons (46-27) on Friday night, a 6-2 victory in front of 7,856 at Polar Park. The WooSox and Bisons were tied at two entering the bottom of the fourth, an inning

WORCESTER, M.A. — The Worcester Red Sox (39-35) delivered four extra-base hits in a series-evening win against the Buffalo Bisons (46-27) on Friday night, a 6-2 victory in front of 7,856 at Polar Park.

The WooSox and Bisons were tied at two entering the bottom of the fourth, an inning that began with a Michael Gettys walk. After a popout and groundout, Jett Bandy saw four balls go by to bring Jeremy Rivera to the plate with two on and two down. The left fielder worked a 3-2 count, then ripped a pitch down the right field line for his first WooSox extra base hit, scoring Matheny to give Worcester a 3-2 lead. Yairo Muñoz was next, and he beat out an infield grounder to bring Bandy home, the final pitch thrown by Buffalo pitcher Jon Harris.

Leading 4-2, Marwin Gonzalez, on a Major League rehab assignment from Boston, worked a walk to load the bases. Jeter Downs came to the plate—already with two RBI on the day—and cracked a two-run double to cap off the three-hit, four-run frame, a rally that pushed Worcester to its second win in three games.

The WooSox began Friday’s game the way they started game one on Thursday, jumping out to an early lead in the bottom of the first inning. Muñoz continued his strong July, leading off with a double to left to extend his hit streak to a season-best 22 games. After a groundout, Downs came through with his first home run of the month and his eighth of the season to put the home team on top 2-0.

Number 2 puts 2 on the board. pic.twitter.com/makBu8ZBep
— Worcester Red Sox (@WooSox) July 30, 2021

In the top of the fourth, the Bisons rallied to even the score, an inning that began with a double and a walk. After a sac-bunt, Cullen Large lined a double to right, scoring two. The four-run frame in the bottom of the fourth put Worcester back on top for good.

Raynel Espinal (8-3) went five innings and allowed only those two runs, striking out six on the way to his first win since June 30. The right hander notched his eight win of the season, giving him sole possession of the Triple-A East lead in victories.

Zack Kelly added two innings of scoreless relief, Jose Adames did the same in the eighth and after Seth Blair got two outs then loaded the bases in the ninth, Kaleb Ort got the final out to close out the Worcester win, evening the season series versus Buffalo.

The WooSox continue the six-game series Saturday at 4:35 p.m. against the Buffalo Bisons at Polar Park. Television coverage is on NESN+, while radio coverage starts live at 4:15 p.m. on 98.9 Nash Icon and the WooSox Radio Network. Seven-time All-Star Chris Sale is slated to start for Worcester against Bowden Francis (6-2, 3.04).