THE HIGHLIGHTS: The PawSox did it again.

After receiving late-game heroics in their two previous outings that resulted in walk-off, game-winning hits, the PawSox rallied late in the game again last night. This time they did the damage in the eighth inning where they scored six runs on five hits to come from behind and beat Scranton/Wilkes Barre, 7-3.

Gil Velazquez gave the PawSox (71-44) its first lead of the game with a two-run triple he crushed to center field that put the PawSox ahead, 4-3. After the PawSox loaded the bases with two outs later in the inning, Jeff Bailey hit a base-clearing double to center field to ice the game for Pawtucket.

SERIES TO REMEMBER: Last night was the first of a six-game series between the top two teams in the I.L. North. The winner of the series will be in first place with just over three weeks remaining (if they split the PawSox will be a half game ahead of the Yankees). The PawSox (71-44) and Yankees (70-46) will play seven more times over the next 11 days.

“That was a nice way to start [the series] because we have to play them six days in a row and that is a very good team,” Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said.

HOT STREAK: Pawtucket outfielder Chris Carter continued his recent tear last night. Carter, who went 3-for-4 with a double and two runs scored, has now hit safely in seven straight games. The 25-year-old slugger is 11-for-30 (.367) with a double, three home runs, and five RBI. In addition, he has hit safely in 12 of his last 13 games, going 20-for-55 (.363) with three doubles, a triple, four home runs, and 10 RBI.

HE SAID IT: Jeff Bailey, who was hitting leadoff for the PawSox for most of the season, batted third last night. The move paid off when he drove in three runs in the bottom of the eighth inning. Of the move, Johnson said: “It’s one of those things where you want to put certain guys in the right situation to drive in a run and it played out well today. Bales came up and drove in three runs.”

ON TAP: Pawtucket ace Charlie Zink (13-3, 2.06 ERA) will battle Yankee righty Ian Kennedy (3-2, 2.06 ERA) today at 1:05 p.m.

roblee@projo.com