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Game Story: PawSox score early and often in 10-4 win over Chiefs

PAWTUCKET -- They played nine innings, but the Pawtucket Red Sox needed only two.

The PawSox scored eight runs on nine hits in the first inning, and two runs on two hits in the second inning off Syracuse Chiefs starter Josh Banks en route to a 10-4 victory last night at McCoy Stadium.

In the bottom of the first, the PawSox batted around as Pawtucket’s No. 1 and No. 2 hitters – Jacoby Ellsbury and Joe McEwing – combined for 4 hits, 3 RBI and 3 runs scored. The PawSox also collected five doubles in the first inning.

After the Chiefs scored two in the top of the second curiosity of a two-run blast by Chiefs’ Erik Kratz, Pawtucket added two more in the bottom half as Jeff Bailey and Brandon Moss hit back-to-back solo home runs to right field, the first time this season the PawSox hit consecutive roundtrippers.

On the mound, the PawSox’ Kason Gabbard earned the win after working 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs (three earned) on six hits with five strikeouts.

It was only five days ago when Gabbard made a spot-start for the Boston Red Sox and posted a victory over the Atlanta Braves. He was told afterwards he was being optioned back to Pawtucket in order to make his next scheduled start and he made the most of it last night.

“I felt good and felt that I had good stuff,” said Gabbard. “I made two bad pitches the whole game, and I was working out of jams pretty much the whole game. Overall I’m happy with the outcome and it’s a lot easier to pitch when we score 10 runs in the first inning.”

The southpaw improves to 4-1 this season for Pawtucket and manager Ron Johnson realizes what Gabbard’s week has been like.

“The guy has had a real emotional week,” said the skipper. “He went up and pitched good in Boston and got the win, so it was nice to see him have a good week.”

With the exception of Chad Spann, everyone in the PawSox’ lineup registered at least a hit. McEwing led the way with three hits and two RBI.

--JOE McDONALD

Posted by Chris Venditto  at 11:11 PM | Permalink