Lowell had been 0-for-4 with a pop out, a strikeout, a fly out and a ground out through the first nine innings on Thursday. But when the four-time major league All-Star got an opportunity to contribute in the 10th inning, he made the most of it.
Lowell blooped a 2-0 pitch into center field, just out of the reach of Mud Hens center fielder Casper Wells. Daniel Nava went from first to third, which set the table for first baseman Lars Anderson's base hit into right field to win it.
It was an encouraging sign for Lowell, who seemed to see the ball better as the game went on. It also appeared that he was running at his usual pace, with no injuries seeming to impact him.
Lowell will sit out tomorrow's game and will fly to Columbus, where he will play with the PawSox again on Saturday and Sunday. There is no word yet on whether Lowell will play the field in those games, but manager Torey Lovullo did say before the game that he intends to start Lowell at first base and third base during his rehab stint.
Final, PawSox 5-4: Many in attendance might tell you that Lars Anderson's game-winning chopper down the right field line was foul. But all that matters is that the umpires ruled it fair, which gave the PawSox a 5-4 victory on Thursday in Mike Lowell's first rehab start with the team.
Lowell was 1-for-5. He had been 0-for-4 heading into extra frames, but his bloop single in the 10th inning moved Daniel Nava over to third, setting up the eventual game-winning hit by Lars Anderson.
Robert Manuel gets the win for the PawSox, who have now salvaged at least one game of the four-game series with the Toledo Mud Hens.
10:41 p.m.: It's over. Lars Anderson hit a chopper down the right field line that brought home Daniel Nava, and the PawSox walk off with a 4-3 win.
10:39 p.m.: Mike Lowell just blooped a single to center to advance Daniel Nava to third base.
Lowell took a wide turn around first before putting on the breaks. Argenis Reyes is pinch running for Lowell, ending the designated hitter's night.
10:36 p.m.: Daniel Nava works a leadoff walk, the fourth time he's been on base tonight. Lowell now steps in with the winning run on first.
10:34 p.m.: Daniel Nava, Mike Lowell and Lars Anderson are due up for the PawSox in the 10th.
Mid 10th, 4-4: Robert Manuel has been very impressive tonight. He just finished off his third inning of work by striking out three batters in a row, following a lead-off double.
Manuel wasn't throwing hard, but he was extremely effective, giving the PawSox three innings of one hit ball.
Manuel came into Thursday's game at 4-1 with a 1.50 ERA in 31 games (42 innings)
10:26 p.m.: Jeff Larish roped a double into the gap, and Robert Manuel will have to pitch himself out of a jam to preserve the tie in his third inning of work.
End 9th, 4-4: We've got free baseball in Pawtucket, as the PawSox and Mud Hens head to the 10th inning tied at four.
This means that Mike Lowell will likely get one more at-bat, barring another long ball from Daniel Nava.
Some quick pitching notes: Tommy Hottovy went 2 2/3 innings for the PawSox, allowing one run on three hits, while striking out two. Robert Manuel then threw two hitless innings.
For the Mud Hens, Brendan Wise went two innings, allowing one run on three hits, after replacing Furbush. Daniel Schlereth then threw a hitless ninth.
10:14 p.m.: Tug Hulett got a solid piece of one, but it was tracked down in left-center field.
Gil Velazquez followed with a walk and Ryan Kalish then grounded into a fielder's choice.
Niuman Romero now steps in with two outs and Kalish on first.
10:10 p.m.: Robinzon Diaz comes in as the Mud Hens' new catcher, while Daniel Schlereth gets set to take the mound.
Mid 9th, 4-4: We've got quite the game brewing here in Pawtucket.
Max St. Pierre walked to lead off the top of the ninth, and was replaced by pinch runner Justin Henry. Henry would advance to second, but wouldn't go any further as Robert Manuel then got Brent Dlugach and Jeff Frazier to fly out.
End 8th, 4-4: The stage was set for some Mike Lowell heroics in the eighth inning, but he was retired on a weak ground ball to Jeff Larish at third base.
Lowell is 0-for-4 with a pop out, a strikeout, a fly out and a ground out.
The PawSox were able to get runners at the corners in the bottom of the eighth, but they failed to push one across.
After Lowell's ground out and an intentional walk to Lars Anderson, Aaron Bates grounded into a force out and Mark Wagner grounded out to third.
9:56 p.m.: In his fourth at-bat, Mike Lowell grounded out to third. He still got a good ovation from the 10,142 fans in attendance as he headed back to the dugout.
9:53 p.m.: Daniel Nava delivered a base hit, and advanced to second on an error. Now, Mike Lowell comes up to the plate with a chance to put the PawSox on top.
Mid 8th, 4-4: After Mud Hens designated hitter Wilkin Ramirez walked to lead off the inning, PawSox catcher Mark Wagner quickly got him on the basepaths with an absolute cannon down to second.
Robert Manuel, who took over for Hottovy, then retired the next two batters to keep the game locked at four.
9:47 p.m.: Mud Hens starter Charles Furbush won't get a decision tonight, despite a solid outing.
Furbush pitched six innings, allowing three runs on five hits, striking out seven in what will be a no-decision.
End 7th, 4-4: Kalish is 2-for-3 with an RBI, a run scored and a stolen base. One can't help but wonder if we'll be seeing nights like that from him in a Red Sox uniform in the near future.
The PawSox' top three hitters (Kalish, Romero, Nava) are a combined 5-for-10 tonight with a home run, all four RBIs, three runs scored.
9:41 p.m.: Ryan Kalish continues his strong night by hitting a sac fly to center field that ties the game at four.
9:35 p.m.: After Mark Wagner struck out to begin the seventh, the PawSox are putting together a rally, following a Tug Hulett double and a base hit by Gil Velazquez.
Velazquez' single looked like it had a chance to score Hulett, but he was given the stop sign as he rounded third.
There are now runners at the corners with one out.
Mid 7th, Mud Hens 4-3: Tommy Hottovy got into a little trouble in the seventh inning, but he managed to get out of it and the score remains the same.
The PawSox will have Wagner, Hulett and Kalish due up in the seventh inning.
End 6th, Mud Hens 4-3: Charles Furbush has pitched pretty well, with the exception of Nava's third inning home run.
He has allowed three runs on five hits, while striking out seven. His night might be over, though, with his pitch count at 102 through six innings.
9:13 p.m.: Lowell gave one a ride to left field, but Ryan Strieby catches up to it and hauls it in. Lowell is now 0-for-3.
Lowell fell behind 0-2, and looked a bit tardy on the second pitch. After taking a ball, he then put a charge into one, which brought Strieby near the warning track to make the catch.
In his three at-bats thus far, Lowell is showing some signs of rust. He's been a little late on some of his swings, and is showing that he hasn't faced live game pitching in some time.
9:10 p.m.: As The Clash's London Calling plays over the speakers at McCoy Stadium, Mike Lowell digs in for the third time.
9:09 p.m.: For those of you scoring at home, the red bus won the scoreboard race. I have to say I was really liking yellow's chances going in.
Mid 6th, Mud Hens 4-3: Casper Wells broke the tie, and Lowell will try to be the catalyst for a PawSox rally in the sixth inning.
So far, Lowell is 0-for-2 with a pop out and a strikeout.
9:01 p.m.: The ball is traveling pretty well here tonight, as Casper Wells just connected for the game's third home run. The Mud Hens are now on top 4-3, with Mike Lowell leading off next inning for the PawSox.
End 5th, 3-3: Niuman Romero singled to right field for his second hit of the game, and advanced to third on an error by first baseman Jeff Frazier on a pickoff attempt. Nava flew out to left field, though, and the game remains tied.
8:56 p.m.: The book is closed on Ramon A. Ramirez.
He lasted 4 1/3 innings, allowing three runs on six hits, while striking out four.
8:53 p.m.: There's nothing quite like mascots shooting t-shirts out of a cannon. I wonder where you can buy one of those devices.
Mid 5th, 3-3: Hottovy strikes out Jeff Larish, and then gets Ryan Strieby to line out to right center to end the top of the 5th.
8:44 p.m.: A 10-pitch battle between Ramon Ramirez and Jeff Frazier results in a walk for the Mud Hens first baseman. With that, Ramirez' night is over.
He is still responsible for Frazier at first, as left-hander Tommy Hottovy comes into the game.
Hottovy is 0-1 with a 4.02 ERA in 15 2/3 innings this season.
End 4th, 3-3: Very impressive inning by Toledo starter Charles Furbush. He struck out the side after allowing three runs last inning.
Aaron Bates, Mark Wagner, and Tug Hulett were the victims.
It's been a rough season for Hulett. Back in Spring Training, many felt as though the 27-year-old may eventually make his presence felt at the major league level. However, he's posted a .188 batting average in 77 games with the PawSox this season.
Mid 4th, 3-3: Right fielder Ben Guez singled and stole second to advance into scoring position, forcing Ramirez to battle once again. But he struck out back-to-back Mud Hens to keep the game tied.
End 3rd, 3-3: Nava hadn't hit a home run in a game since his grand slam on the first major league pitch he saw back on June 12 at Fenway Park. He has hit one tonight in just his second plate appearance since rejoining the PawSox.
The crowd is alive once again at McCoy Stadium.
8:14 p.m.: With the crowd still buzzing from Nava's big fly, Lowell stepped up to the plate. He struck out swinging on a fastball though.
8:12 p.m.: Daniel Nava clearly wants to return to the big club soon. He just jacked one out to left to tie the game, 3-3.
Good thing manager Torey Lovullo took Nava at his word and put him into tonight's lineup despite very little sleep for the outfielder.
Nava's at-bat lasted eight pitches.
8:06 p.m.: Textbook hit-and-run just executed by Niuman Romero and Ryan Kalish.
Kalish took off from second and Romero lined it right where second baseman Will Rhymes was positioned prior to covering second base.
The PawSox now have runners at the corners with nobody out, Daniel Nava at the plate and Mike Lowell on deck.
Mid 3rd, Mud Hens 3-0: Ramiez finally settled down in the third, retiring the Mud Hens 1-2-3.
Gil Velazquez made a good play down at third base to end the inning, and fittingly, he will lead off the bottom of the third.
7:58 p.m.: A loud bang could just be heard throughout McCoy Stadium that drew quite the crowd reaction.
I don't know what it was but it could be the PawSox' hopes in this game crashing to the ground if they don't start generating some offense.
Fortunately for them, there's still a lot of baseball to be played.
End 2nd, Mud Hens 3-0: The PawSox can't muster up any runs in their half of the inning.
Tug Hulett walked with two out, but it was quickly erased when he was picked off.
Mid 2nd, Mud Hens 3-0: Right fielder Ben Guez hit a bomb into the seats in left to extend the Mud Hens' early lead to 3-0.
Catcher Max St. Pierre roped a ball down to third that Gil Velazquez couldn't handle, but it was ruled a hit.
Even the outs seem to be getting hit hard here tonight. Ramirez has already thrown 47 pitches through his first two innings.
End 1st, Mud Hens 2-0: Ryan Kalish showed off the skills that make him one of the Red Sox' top prospects.
The outfielder singled and swiped third base, giving the PawSox an opportunity to push one across. Lowell popped out to second, and first baseman Lars Anderson struck out swinging to end the inning though.
7:29 p.m.: Mike Lowell's first at-bat once again drew a loud ovation from what appears to be a sold out crowd. On the third pitch of the at-bat, Lowell popped out to second baseman Will Rhymes.
7:24 p.m.: Daniel Nava walks in his first plate appearance back down in Triple-A. Manager Torey Lovullo said prior to the game that Nava took a red-eye flight back, took a quick nap and then requested to be in the starting lineup.
Mid 1st, Mud Hens 2-0: PawSox starter Ramon A. Ramirez has been hit hard thus far.
Brent Dlugach and Jeff Frazier hit back-to-back doubles, plating the first run of the game. After a wild pitch, Ryan Strieby singled to center to put the Mud Hens on top, 2-0.
6:59 p.m.: A big ovation for Mike Lowell as Pawtucket's starting lineup is introduced.
6:56 p.m.: A large coffee cup just threw out the first pitch at McCoy Stadium. I've officially seen it all.
6:18 p.m.: A little less than an hour until game time. Josh Reddick, who was expected to bat seventh and play center field, has been scratched from the lineup with a minor strain in his stomach.
Here are the final starting lineups for Thursday's game:
Pawtucket
Ryan Kalish, CF
Niuman Romero, SS
Daniel Nava, LF
Mike Lowell, DH
Lars Anderson, 1B
Aaron Bates, LF
Mark Wagner, 1B
Tug Hulett, 2B
Gil Velazquez, 3B
Toledo
Will Rhymes, 2B
Brent Dlugach, SS
Jeff Frazier, 1B
Jeff Larish, 3B
Ryan Strieby, LF
Wilkin Ramirez, DH
Casper Wells, CF
Ben Guez, RF
Max St. Pierre, C
Charles Furbush will take the mound.
6:01 p.m.: Mike Lowell spoke before the game about his plan for his rehab stint. The infielder expects to play five games in seven days. Manager Torey Lovullo said that Lowell will play third base, as well as first base, during that time.
4:53 p.m.: Still waiting for the Toldeo Mud Hens to announce their lineup, but here is how the PawSox will approach Thursday's game. Mike Lowell will hit cleanup and be the designated hitter, as expected.
Ryan Kalish, RF
Niuman Romero, SS
Daniel Nava, LF
Mike Lowell, DH
Aaron Bates, 1B
Mark Wagner, C
Josh Reddick, CF
Tug Hulett, 2B
Gil Velazquez, 3B
Ramon A. Ramirez will get the nod on the hill.
4:37 p.m.: Mike Lowell, who is also donning the No. 25 right now, is in the midst of batting practice, spraying balls to all fields. He hasn't jacked any out of McCoy Stadium just yet, but he is showing some good pop to the power alleys in right-center field and left-center field.
4:01 p.m.: Mike Lowell is on the field, talking and laughing with some of his temporary teammates. The 36-year-old seems to be in good spirits three hours before game time. Then again, why wouldn't he be, if he is in fact at 100 percent?
3:48 p.m.: No. 25 was just on the field warming up for the PawSox. Not so fast, though. It was left-hander Kris Johnson, not who you might expect.
10:30 a.m.: While the Pawtucket Red Sox look to end a five-game skid on Thursday, all eyes will be fixated on a 36-year-old veteran.
Red Sox third baseman Mike Lowell will see his first game action since June 22 as the Red Sox’ Triple-A affiliate wrap up a four-game set with the Toledo Mud Hens. He received a cortisone shot in his surgically repaired hip on Monday, and is prepared to play in what the Red Sox hope to be four games over six days, according to ESPN.com.
Lowell is the latest Red Sox player to near a comeback after a rough patch in which the team has been bitten by the injury bug. Pitcher Clay Buchholz and infielder Jed Lowrie already returned to the big club this week, and Josh Beckett is slated to return Friday night in Seattle.
While Lowell may no longer get ample playing time at third base and has been the subject of trade rumors since the offseason, his return would surely be welcomed as the Sox try to stay afloat in a difficult AL East while everyone gets healthy.
Lowell is batting .213 with two home runs and 12 RBIs in 80 at-bats for the Red Sox this season.
The Pawtucket Red Sox have struggled this season, posting a 43-54 record, but what better way to spend a Thursday night than watch a grizzled veteran hit in the midst of a lineup of aspiring major leaguers.
Oh, and if that’s not enough for you, it’s replica jersey giveaway night at McCoy Stadium. So like Bob Barker used to say, come on down!
