RAILRIDERS SCORE 22nd SHUTOUT WIN

Montgomery Leads SWB to 22nd Shutout Win

Southpaw Fires Third Straight Scoreless Start

 

Moosic, Pa. – The SWB RailRiders (Triple-A/ New York Yankees) blanked the Pawtucket Red Sox 4-0 behind a strong start from Jordan Montgomery on Saturday night at PNC Field. The RailRiders (80-48) recorded their 22nd shutout victory of 2016, believed to be the most in a single season in the International League since at least 1975. SWB claimed the season series over the PawSox (66-61) and lowered their magic number to eight in the process.

Montgomery spun seven strong innings, limiting the PawSox to three hits and a walk while striking out eight. He ran his scoreless innings streak to 18.2 frames, a run of three consecutive starts. The only hit for Pawtucket that left the infield was a single to center by Chris Young in the seventh.

Pawtucket was forced to go with a spot starter in Chandler Shepherd (1-1) after left-hander Henry Owens was scratched before the game. After cruising through three innings, Shepherd surrendered the only runs of the game in the fourth. Three singles by Rob Refsnyder, Donovan Solano and Mason Williams loaded the bases for Pete Kozma.

Noe Ramirez relieved Shepherd, but Kozma walloped a three-run double to the left-center wall on the first pitch from the new right-hander. Ben Gamel added a two-out single that scored Kozma from second for a 4-0 lead.

Refsnyder finished the night 4-for-4. Gamel, Solano and Kozma each finished with two hits.

The RailRiders became the second team in all of baseball to reach 80 wins and are the eighth edition to do so in the Yankees era of the SWB franchise, dating back to 2007.

The RailRiders seek a series win against the Pawtucket Red Sox on Sunday, August 21. Left-hander Richard Bleier (2-2, 2.76) is scheduled to face southpaw Brian Johnson (5-5, 3.82). It’s NYCFC Day at PNC Field with a special appearance by MLS No. 1 draft pick and Player of the Month Jack Harrison. First pitch is set for 1:05 p.m. For tickets or more information, please call 570-969-BALL (2255) or visit swbrailriders.com.