Masterson Sharp in Second Rehab Start at McCoy

PawSox news release…

(Pawtucket, RI) Garin Cecchini’s double in the bottom of the ninth inning sent the Pawtucket Red Sox to a 2-1 win over the Charlotte Knights on Wednesday afternoon at McCoy Stadium.  Justin Masterson was strong for six innings in a rehab start, and the Sox’ ninth-inning rally salvaged the series finale in front of 5,602 fans.

Cecchini plated Deven Marrero, who had come on to pinch run for Travis Shaw.  Shaw’s one-out single – his second hit of the day – set the rally in motion and was followed by a walk of Bryce Brentz.  Cecchini ripped a 3-1 pitch to the gap in right-center for his Cecchini ripped a 3-1 pitch to the gap in right-center for his sixth RBI in the last five games.

Masterson had retired ten in a row when the Knights scored their only run in the bottom of the fifth.  After a walk to George Kottaras, Tyler Colvin doubled to right to tie the game at one. 

The PawSox had scored the game’s first run on a wild pitch.  Sean Coyle hit a ground ball up the middle for an infield hit and moved to second on Micah Johnson’s throwing error.  Mike Miller sacrificed him to third before Johnson’s fastball to the backstop plated Marrero.

The PawSox were only tied in the ninth because of a spectacular diving catch by Mike Miller.  With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the eighth, Matt Tuiasosopo ripped a line drive to Miller’s right.  A headlong, diving grab robbed Tuiasosopo and kept the game knotted, 1-1.

Zeke Spruill relieved Masterson in the seventh, went three scoreless innings and earned his third win. 

Masterson’s final line reflected six innings, one run on only two hits with six strikeouts and one walk. 

The PawSox open a four-game series with Toledo on Thursday night at 7:05 P.M.  Jess Todd (1-2, 5.40) takes the mound for Pawtucket and will be opposed by Mud Hens; righthander Buck Farmer (6-1, 2.78).