The Pawtucket Red Sox and Portland Sea Dogs made the Boston Red Sox organization proud Thursday.
The PawSox went up 2-0 in their International League playoff series against the Syracuse Chiefs with an 8-2 win at McCoy Stadium. The Sea Dogs evened their Eastern League playoffs against the Binghamton Mets at one game apiece with a 7-0 victory at NYSEG Stadium.
Garin Cecchini, who lifted Pawtucket to a walk-off win in Wednesday’s series opener, went 4-for-4 with two RBIs while guiding the PawSox to within one game of a three-game sweep. Matt Barnes allowed only three hits over seven shutout innings.
The Sea Dogs, who lost in walk-off fashion Wednesday, rebounded behind a four-homer attack. Stefan Welch hit two home runs. Sean Coyle and Keury De La Cruz each added one. Justin Haley tossed six shutout innings and struck out eight to earn the win.
The PawSox and Chiefs will continue their series Friday at Syracuse’s NBT Bank Stadium. Henry Owens is scheduled to pitch for Pawtucket.
The Sea Dogs and Mets will continue their series Friday at Portland’s Hadlock Field. Eduardo Rodriguez, who was acquired from the Baltimore Orioles in exchange for Andrew Miller before the Major League Baseball non-waiver trade deadline, is scheduled to pitch for Portland. Outfielder Rusney Castillo also is expected to suit up for the ‘Dogs.
Photo via Instagram/pawsox
