•KEY OF THE GAME: The Chiefs broke a 5-5 tie in the top of the ninth inning. Syracuse’s Wayne Lydon drew a walk and Pawtucket, fearing a stolen-base attempt, called a pitchout. But catcher Dusty Brown’s throw got away, allowing Lydon to reach third. The Chiefs’ Danny Sandoval dropped a perfectly executed bunt down the third-base line out of the reach of Pawtucket’s Keith Ginter that allowed the eventual winning run to score and Sandoval to reach safely. The PawSox were held scoreless in the bottom of the ninth.

•HIGHLIGHTS: The PawSox’ Chad Spann hit a two-run home run in the fourth inning to tie the game at 4-4. It was his second home run of the season. Brown recorded his second triple of the season. … Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin (knee tendinitis) was scheduled to make his fourth rehab appearance for the PawSox last night, but he threw a bullpen session before the game instead. The veteran right-hander worked three perfect innings during three appearances for Pawtucket, throwing 22 of his 27 pitches for strikes. Timlin will probably be activated today when the Sox arrive in New York for their four-game set against the Yankees.

•AN OLD FRIEND: Former Red Sox and PawSox pitcher Bruce Hurst was back at McCoy Stadium yesterday. The first thing Hurst did was visit with owner Ben Mondor and team president Mike Tamburro.

“It was great to reminisce,” Hurst said. “They are great guys, great men. I consider them friends. It was fun to catch up.”

•NOTES: The International League announced its All-Star roster for the midsummer classic, to be held July 14-16 at Louisville. The PawSox will have five players, their most ever, at the All-Star festivities. Pitcher Charlie Zink, infielder Joe Thurston and outfielders Chris Carter, Jonathan Van Every and Jeff Bailey have been named to the I.L. team. … PawSox outfielder Bobby Kielty (oblique strain) was activated from the disabled list yesterday. To make room on the roster, outfielder Bryan Pritz was placed on the seven-day DL with a shoulder strain. … Pawtucket will continue its annual fireworks tradition tonight, tomorrow and Saturday at McCoy Stadium.

•UP NEXT: The PawSox send knuckleballer Charlie Zink (8-2, 2.33) to the mound to face the Chiefs’ Scott Richmond (0-0, 1.50), beginning at 6:15 p.m. at McCoy Stadium.

jmcdonal@projo.com