PAWTUCKET — When was the last time anyone saw Red Sox left fielder Manny Ramirez make a diving catch in the gap before doubling up a base runner at second to end a game?

It might take a while to figure that one out. In the meantime, Pawtucket outfielder Jacoby Ellsbury accomplished that feat, helping the PawSox to a 3-2 victory over the Buffalo Bisons last night at McCoy Stadium.

For the second straight night, Ellsbury played left field for the PawSox. Major-league rosters expand tomorrow, and it’s a given that Ellsbury will be called up. Whether that means he’ll be in Boston this weekend or wait until the PawSox’ season ends on Monday remains to be seen, but his play last night showed that he can handle left field.

“Jacoby was all over that ball,” said Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson. “I didn’t think that ball was going to be caught because off the bat it looked like it was going to be a gapper. But when you have a center fielder playing left who can move like that. … He got to that thing very quickly.”

Not only did Ellsbury’s defensive gem prove crucial, he extended his hitting streak to 25 games with a pair of hits and scored two runs. But the catch was the play of the game.

“I got a good jump,” he said. “I actually saw (pinch-runner Shin-Soo) Choo break for third base, so it’s a play that if I make it we can double him off. But if I miss it, he’s scoring and the guy who hit the ball is probably on third. It’s a risky play, but I knew I could catch it.”

Buffalo manager Torey Lovullo said Choo was attempting to steal third, and he can’t fault the pinch-runner for being too aggressive, especially with the Bisons down by a run with one out in the top of the ninth inning.

If Ramirez misses significant time because of injury, Ellsbury should be able to handle the duties in left.

Hansack wins 10th

Almost lost in the excitement last night was the solid outing by PawSox starter Devern Hansack, who earned the victory to improve to 10-7 this season. The right-hander worked seven innings and allowed two runs on four hits with one walk and four strikeouts. It was his last outing for Pawtucket, but there’s a good chance he’ll be called up to Boston early next week.

Clement progressing

Red Sox pitcher Matt Clement continues his rehab, and he worked out at McCoy Stadium yesterday. The right-hander had arthroscopic surgery on his throwing shoulder last September, and with the Red Sox on the road, he spent the day in Pawtucket.

“I feel awesome,” he said. “I feel normal.”

He threw a side session and is scheduled to throw another one tomorrow at Fenway Park. He said he’s on schedule to face live hitters some time next week when he tosses batting practice. Since he’s been on the pitching program, he said he has rediscovered his velocity and location.

jmcdonal@projo.com