SYRACUSE (AAA International League): The Syracuse Chiefs led wire-to-wire in a 3-1 victory over the Pawtucket Red Sox Thursday, taking game one of a four-game series. All three Chiefs runs were scored in the first two innings of play.
Syracuse (10-8) got things going in the bottom half of the first inning, which started with a single to left from rehabbing Nationals outfielder Ben Revere. Revere then went to second on a groundout off the bat of Trea Turner. Later in the inning, Matt Skole singled on a dribbler up the first-base line. Red Sox starter Eduardo Rodriguez then threw the ball by first, letting Revere score on the error.
The Chiefs kept up the hot start, scoring two runs in the second to push the lead to 3-0. After a single from Brian Goodwin put the Chiefs’ lead runner aboard, Brendan Ryan followed up with a single of his own, moving Goodwin to second. A third straight single from Jhonatan Solano loaded the bases with no outs. Leadoff man Revere then knocked his second single of the game, scoring Goodwin and moving all other Chiefs up a base. A Turner sacrifice fly to right field would then plate Ryan, making the score 3-0.
After giving up a career high 14 hits and eight earned runs in his last outing, Syracuse starter A.J. Cole capitalized on the offense’s quick start and cruised to six innings of scoreless work. Cole spread three hits across the six frames while adding on two strikeouts and two walks.
Pawtucket (11-9) tacked on one run in the eighth inning, but was never a threat to the stifling Syracuse bullpen. After Marco Hernandez earned a leadoff walk from Trevor Gott to start the inning, Sam Travis drove a long ball to right that was dropped by Caleb Ramsey. The error sent Hernandez to third and Travis to second. Rusney Castillo then drove in Hernandez with a deep sacrifice fly to right. Gott would then get Chris Marrero to ground out, ending the eighth inning.
Syracuse pitching overall gave up only six hits and one unearned run, while striking out five and walking four. Erik Davis worked a scoreless inning before Gott came in in the eighth, with Rafael Martin allowing only one hit in the ninth to earn the save.
The Chiefs and Red Sox are back at it again Friday from NBT Bank Stadium. Taylor Hill is set to start for the Chiefs, while Pawtucket sends Brian Johnson to the mound. The game’s first pitch is slated for 6:35.
HARRISBURG (AA Eastern League): The Senators game scheduled for Thursday with the Hartford Yard Goats was postponed due to inclement weather.
The Senators continue their homestand with a series against the Bowie Baysox beginning Friday night at 7:00 p.m. The series with Bowie continues Saturday night at 6:00 p.m. and Sunday at 1:30 p.m.
POTOMAC (HIGH-A Carolina League): The series finale between the Potomac Nationals (12-8) and Myrtle Beach Pelicans (11-9) was postponed due to wet grounds and rain. The game will me made up as part of a doubleheader when the Pelicans return to Woodbridge on June 16. First pitch of the doubleheader is set for 5:00 p.m. that Thursday, as the two teams are scheduled to play two seven-inning games.
On Friday night, the P-Nats welcome in the Wilmington Blue Rocks, with first pitch is set for 7:05 p.m. The Potomac starter has yet to be determined, while Wilmington is scheduled to start Zach Lovvorn (0-4, 4.50). Lovvorn is set to make his third start of the season vs. Potomac, as the righty is 0-2 with a 4.32 ERA in his two starts vs. the P-Nats.
HAGERSTOWN (LOW-A South Atlantic League): The Suns and the Asheville Tourists got through five innings, but were suspended due to darkness at historic McCormick Field with the Tourists leading 6-5. The game will be picked up on May 30.