The Pawtucket Red Sox beat the Buffalo Bisons 2-0 just a few hours before the Red Sox edged out the Blue Jays 8-7.
Friday was Opening Night for the Pawtucket Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of the Boston Red Sox. Just like their major league big brothers, the Paw Sox had been delayed a day by inclement weather, but when they finally took the field they would go on to defeat the Buffalo Bisons 2-0.
Henry Owens looked sharp. The lefty allowed no runs and only walked two, needing just 83 pitches to complete six innings. He struck out eight while giving up one solitary hit. This is great news for Red Sox fans who may be, legitimately, worried about their starting rotation.
Third baseman Sean Coyle also showed he was ready to play ball. The 24 year-old made an impressive catch in foul territory at the edge of the dugout and hit a solo homer to give the Paw Sox an insurance run. (Interesting side-note for those who have never been to McCoy Stadium: their dugouts are not “dug” out; they are on the same level as the field.)
There was a good turn out considering the cold weather and the one-day delay. It may be the minor leagues, but fans were ready to root, root, root for the home team with gusto. The temperature dipped into the 30’s when the sun set, but the die-hards stuck it out.
The patience of a handful of fans was rewarded when Dr. Charles Steinberg made an unannounced appearance. He quizzed some lucky kids and gave them signed photos as a prize. The team also treated fans to a “Paw Sox April 2016” pin and a poster of “The Killer Bees” (Xander Bogaerts, Jackie Bradley Jr., and Mookie Betts).
Next: Bullpen makes difference in win over Blue Jays
The Paw Sox have an exciting season full of theme nights and giveaways ahead of them. And who knows which future Red Sox stars fans will get a glimpse of next!