Johnson perfect in six innings for Triple-A Pawtucket

Red Sox No. 7 prospect Brian Johnson was pulled after completing six perfect innings Friday night for Triple-A Pawtucket. The team's bid for perfection ended with one out in the eighth inning when Eugenio Suarez singled off reliever Miguel Celestino.

Suarez's single was the only hit for the Bats as Pawtucket pitchers combined to throw a one-hitter in a 1-0 win over Louisville. Red Sox No. 10 prospect Deven Marrero's second-inning single knocked in Allen Craig for the game's only run. It was Marrero's 16th RBI this year.

Johnson, a southpaw, struck out nine hitters on only 74 pitches -- 50 went for strikes. He was replaced by Celestino, who got through the seventh before surrendering Suarez's single in the eighth.

Friday's incredible start followed a long string of strong outings for Johnson, a 2012 first round Draft pick. He allowed seven earned runs in his previous four starts (25 2/3 total innings), striking out 21 batters against three walks in that stretch.

On the year, he now stands at 6-3 with a 2.60 ERA.