•HIGHLIGHTS: Starting pitching on both teams stood out last night. The PawSox’ Devern Hansack did everything possible to earn the victory, but was dealt a no-decision. The right-hander worked six scoreless innings and allowed only four hits. He walked two and struck out seven. On the winning side, the Clippers’ Colin Balester improved to 8-3 with his six-inning performance in which he allowed only two runs on six hits with one walk and five strikeouts. … Pawtucket’s Jeff Bailey hit his 19th homer of the season, a solo shot in the third inning. … Trailing by a run in the ninth inning, the PawSox left the bases loaded. … The PawSox’ Joe Thurston fell a homer short of the cycle.

•KEY OF THE GAME: Pawtucket had a 1-0 lead heading into the seventh when the Clippers pushed across all four of their runs thanks in part to a PawSox’ miscue. Columbus had a runner on first with no outs when the Clippers’ Ray Olmedo dropped down a bunt to sacrifice the runner over. Pawtucket third baseman Gil Velaquez fielded the ball cleanly but did not make a throw to either base and everyone was safe. That led to the Clippers’ four runs.

•NOTES: The PawSox returned home and began an eight-game homestand last night at McCoy Stadium. Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson spent a few minutes discussing the club’s recent road trip, including the rehab start by Red Sox pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka Monday at Lehigh Valley. Matsuzaka had to deal with a two-and-half hour rain delay and, according to Johnson, wasn’t bothered by it at all. “He handled it like it was just another day of work,” said the manager. “At 9:15 he was ready and was working tempo, pace, strikes; it was ridiculous.” … The PawSox added pitcher Miguel Asencio to their roster yesterday. In 18 relief appearances for the Sea Dogs, he was 1-3 with a 6.44 ERA. This is his second stint with Pawtucket. He takes the roster spot of Chris Smith, who is on recall with Boston.

•THEY SAID IT: It’s a tradition for a major-leaguer to buy the postgame spread when he’s sent to the minors for a rehab assignment. Matsuzaka tried to top Red Sox teammates Sean Casey and Mike Lowell who purchased food from Capriccio and Capital Grille, respectively, during their stints here in Pawtucket. Dice-K bought pregame sushi and takeout from Outback Steak House after the game. “I tore (the sushi) up, man,” said Johnson. “I ate it like I was going to the electric chair.”

•UP NEXT: The PawSox’ Clay Buchholz (1-1, 2.45) will face the Clippers’ Tyler Clippard (4-4, 3.41) at 7:05 tonight.