PAWTUCKET — The Pawtucket Red Sox were in position to win their second straight game, but the bullpen struggled as the Rochester Red Wings pulled away to a 6-1 victory before 8,773 fans last night at McCoy Stadium.

PawSox starter and Red Sox pitching prospect Clay Buchholz was outstanding in his fifth start of the season at the Triple-A level. The crafty right-hander worked seven solid innings, allowing one run on four hits with nine strikeouts.

Red Wings starter and Minnesota Twins prospect Kevin Slowey was just as good. He worked six innings and allowed just one run on eight hits.

With the game knotted at 1-1 heading into the eighth, PawSox reliever Edgar Martinez suffered the loss when he surrendered five runs on five hits in two thirds of an inning of work.

“Buchholz had command of all of his stuff,” said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. “He was good. Unfortunately, we were matched up against a guy who was impressive, too. We hit the ball hard off him early, and it looked like we were going to get some things done. We just couldn’t get them home.”

Martinez imploded in the eighth and drops to 2-6. The PawSox’ Junior Spivey provided the lone run for Pawtucket with an RBI double in the second inning.

“Edgar struggled,” said Johnson. “He had a tough one out there. We made some nice defensive plays behind him, and I thought we were going to wiggle out of that thing, but we couldn’t get it done.”

The PawSox completed their home stand last night and after an off-day today will head out for a three-city, 10-day trip.

Tucker released

Following last night’s game, the Red Sox released Michael Tucker. The former major-league veteran signed with Boston as a free agent on May 17 and was assigned to Pawtucket. The 36-year-old outfielder spent more than 12 years in the big leagues with the Royals, Reds, Cubs, Giants, Phillies and Mets. He spent last season in Triple-A with the Mets’ minor-league affiliate in Norfolk. Entering last night’s game, he was batting .061 in his last 33 at-bats. During an at-bat on Sunday afternoon, he struck out, slammed his helmet on the ground, then threw his bat, nearly hitting teammate Jeff Bailey, who was standing in the on-deck circle.

Malzone, Pesky honored

Prior to last night’s game the PawSox honored Red Sox legends Frank Malzone and Johnny Pesky. Sporting Red Sox jerseys, the pair of Red Sox Hall of Famers took their old positions at third base and shortstop, respectively, for the national anthem with current PawSox players Joe McEwing and Jed Lowrie.

It’s not unusual to find Malzone and Pesky visiting at McCoy Stadium as guests of PawSox owner Ben Mondor, and every time they’re invited to come they feel honored.

“We appreciate the fact they’re first-class,” said Malzone. “They treat our players with respect and they run a good operation here. Ben, Mike and Lou are three great people, and the fact that they respect us and keep bringing us back is nice.”

The conversation quickly turned to the Red Sox and their chances of winning it all this season.

“If the pitching continues the way it’s been going I see no reason we’re not going to be there,” said Malzone. “When it comes to the playoffs, you don’t know. The playoffs are funny because you have to catch some breaks. … I think we have enough to win it. The guys have the right attitude.”

jmcdonal@projo.com