Organizational One-Stop: Apr. 6

In Friday’s “Red Sox Organizational One-Stop,” Tim Wakefield was once again a hard-luck loser, the Sea Dogs were once again snowed out and the PawSox—led by Devern Hansack—were once again the only minor league affiliate to earn a win as the JetHawks and Drive each dropped their second in a row.

RANGERS 2, RED SOX 0
If Tim Wakefield’s on the mound, it must be time for the Sox offense to go into hiding. Wakefield, annually the Sox’ hardest-luck starter, allowed just two runs—only one earned—on three hits and two walks while striking out four in six innings, but the Sox were three-hit by Robinson Tejada and a pair of relievers in the shutout. The Rangers scored on Sammy Sosa’s bloop check-swing RBI single in the first and on Gerald Laird’s RBI single in the second. The latter run was set up by an error by second baseman Dustin Pedroia. Coco Crisp’s double was the only extra-base hit for the Sox, who didn’t have a single baserunner advanced beyond second base.


PAWSOX 5, CHARLOTTE 1
Devern Hansack’s first Triple-A start was only slightly less impressive than his second big league start. Hansack, who threw five no-hit innings against the Orioles in the Sox’ season finale last Oct. 1, allowed one run on four hits and one walk while striking out 10 in 5 2/3 innings as the PawSox won their second straight over host Charlotte, the White Sox’ Triple-A affiliate, in an International League game. Joe McEwing hit a two-run homer for the PawSox while Ed Rogers and Kevin Cash each hit solo blasts. David Murphy, Alex Ochoa and Brandon Moss all had two hits apiece. Craig Breslow threw 1 1/3 hitless innings to set up Craig Hansen, who provided reason for encouragement and earned his first save by striking out four and allowing just one hit—a bunt single—and one walk in two shutout innings.


SEA DOGS VS. CONNECTICUT
For the second straight day, the Sea Dogs’ 2006 Eastern League championship ring ceremony and home opener against Connecticut—the Double-A affiliate of the Giants—was postponed due to a blizzard that dropped more than a foot of snow on Portland earlier in the week.


BAKERSFIELD 11, JETHAWKS 9
Bubba Bell went 4-for-5 with two homers and six RBI, but Bakersfield—the Single-A affiliate of the Rangers—scored five runs in the eighth to cap a second straight comeback win in a California League game in Lancaster, CA. Every JetHawks player except Aaron Bates had at least one hit and Tony Granadillo (solo homer) and Zach Daegas had two hits apiece. Daniel Bard, making the first appearance of his professional career, gave up four runs on six hits and one walk while striking out one in 2 2/3 innings. Tim Cox allowed only one hit and walked three while striking out four in three shutout innings before losing pitcher Ismael Casillas was tagged for five runs on three hits and two walks while striking out two in 1 2/3 innings.


CHARLESTON 8, DRIVE 2
History remarkably repeated itself as Chris Jones, for the second straight year, threw five no-hit innings in his first start of the season for the Drive. But Jones’ work was undone as Charleston snapped the scoreless duel with five runs in the sixth and three more in the seventh as the RiverDogs, the Yankees’ Single-A affiliate, cruised to a second straight South Atlantic League win over the Drive in Charleston, SC. Jones struck out three and retired the final 15 batters he faced after issuing a leadoff walk in the first inning. He opened last season with five no-hit innings against SAL foe Kannapolis Apr. 28. Miguel Socolovich followed Jones and wasn’t nearly as effective as he took the loss by allowing five runs on five hits and one walk in just two-thirds of an inning. Jon Still had an RBI single in the eighth and Mike Chambers had an RBI double in the ninth for the Drive, who racked up nine hits—including two apiece by Lars Anderson and Mickey Hall—but stranded 10 baserunners, the second straight night the Drive have left at least 10 men on base.


Diehard managing editor Jerry Beach can be reached at [e-mail]. To receive a free issue of Diehard, call 888-979-0979.