The Worcester Red Sox almost lost it late, but strong pitching from Brian Van Belle gave Worcester enough of a head start, defeating the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre RailRiders, 3-2, on Thursday at PNC Field.
Van Belle got the win on the mound, striking out five in seven innings of work, allowing seven hits, walking one and allowing no runs.
Bryan Mata gave up two earned runs and four hits in two innings of work, but still did enough to earn the save.
Top prospect Roman Anthony went 0-for-5, striking out three times.
The Red Sox got on the board in the second inning when Tyler McDonough grounded into a force out, scoring Ryan Noda.
Both teams left runners on base for a few frames until the fifth inning when Blake Sabol homered on a fly ball to center field, making it 2-0. Jhostynxon Garcia added another run in the seventh inning with a solo homer to add onto the lead.
The RailRiders got a spark in the bottom of the ninth inning when Jesus Rodriguez singled on a line drive to right field, scoring Jose Rojas and Bryan De La Cruz.
Dominic Smith made contact during the next at bat for the RailRiders, putting the ball in play, but Vaughn Grissom unassisted put Jesus Rodriguez out at third base, ending the game and preserving the win.
Worcester’s next game is on Friday against the RailRiders on the road at 6:35 p.m..
