George Archer had six birdies on the front nine and Hale Irwin had four on the back nine Saturday as the two moved into a tie with first-round leader Jay Sigel after two rounds of the $1.2 million BankBoston Classic.

Archer had a 6-under-par 66 in the second round of the Senior PGA Tour stop at the 6,773-yard Nashawtuc Country Club course. After opening with his birdie binge over the first eight holes, Archer parred the last seven in posting a 7-under 137 total.

"I played very well today and then managed to hang on," Archer said. "I had good pace on my putts and kept the ball out of the trees."

Irwin, the defending champion, started out slow Saturday, making one birdie on the front nine. But he made four birdies - along with a bogey - on the back nine in a 68.

"I don't try to overpower this course," said Irwin, who has won five senior events this year.

"I like to keep all my shots under control."

After leading by two strokes at the end of the opening round, Sigel said he was disappointed with his 70 on Saturday.

"I'm not happy with the way I hit the ball," said Sigel, who made three birdies on the front nine but bogeyed Nos. 11 and 12 after apparently injuring his shoulder.

South African Hugh Baiocchi shot a 5-under 31 on the back nine in a 67 that left him at 138, tied with Tom McGinnis and John Bland, who both shots 69s.

"It got a little interesting when I started making those birdies," said Baiocchi, who birdied Nos. 11, 12, 13, 15 and 16 to move within one stroke of the leaders. "I'm right in there for tomorrow."

Seven golfers were within three strokes of the lead going into Sunday's final round.

"This shapes up to be a good horse race tomorrow," Irwin said. "It's anybody's tournament."

AP