PAWTUCKET – Turns out David Ortiz’s batting practice session on Friday was a harbinger of productive things to come. The Red Sox slugger spent a few rounds driving pitches from roving instructor Victor Rodriguez to left field, as if Ortiz was simulating the Green Monster. Ortiz admitted after his round that he merely didn’t want to take a few hacks and retreat to the air-conditioned clubhouse. He desired to use his time outdoors constructively and with a goal in mind. “My plan was to use the whole field, so I tried to work on that during batting practice so you can use [the approach] during the game,” Ortiz admitted. Truer words were never spoken. As if on cue, Ortiz went the other way for his second home run in as many nights. The three-run shot came in the fourth inning in Pawtucket’s 6-1 victory over Toledo. The game was short-circuited with one out in the bottom of the seventh inning due to a nasty combo of rain/lightning.
By ERIC BENEVIDES Sports writer SMITHFIELD -- Lincoln has had a long history of defeating Smithfield in the District IV playoffs, but on Tuesday night, Smithfield turned the tables on its longtime foes by eliminating them in the semifinals. Nate Balcom's two-run single to right field keyed a four-run rally in the bottom of the second inning, and Derrick Poleseno and Bob Macera teamed up to pitch a five-hitter to help Smithfield record a 9-4 triumph before a large gathering at Whipple Park and advance to tonight's championship game. Smithfield will contest Cumberland American, a 5-4 winner over North Smithfield in its semifinal-round game last night, for the district banner and a spot in the state tournament in a 7:30 p.m. showdown at Garvin Field.
Be one of the first 300 people to register on www.RIwannabe.com and print off your confirmation email to receive a free PawSox ticket to the August 29th game vs. the Buffalo Bisons.
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