Game 65- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 8, 2008

The PawSox ride a three game winning streak heading into today's (1:05 pm) matinee with the Buffalo Bisons at McCoy. LHP John Halama (NR) goes for Buffalo against RHP Devern Hansack (2-7, 6.19) for the PawSox.

I am again at the stadium...taking in the sunshine...and providing this preview...

Buffalo Bisons (28-35)

LINE-UP

Josh Barfield 2B

Jorge Velandia SS

Michael Aubery DH

Todd Linden RF

Jordan Brown 1B

Jason Tyner LF

Brad Snyder CF

Wyatt Toregas C

Chris De La Cruz 3B

The Bisons enter the game losers of three in a row and seven of their last ten. They were shut down by Charlie Zink and the PawSox offense, 9-1 last night.

Halama makes his Buffalo debut today after being signed by the Indians earlier this week. He had spent the season with the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs of the Independent Atlantic League. In 8 games he was 4-1 with a 1.88 ERA.

Halama was a member of the Red Sox in 2005 where he complied a 1-1 record with a 6.18 ERA in 30 appearances. Halama has spent portions of nine seasons in the majors with Houston, Seattle, Oakland, Tampa Bay, Washington, and Baltimore. He last pitched in the majors in 2006.

Pawtucket Red Sox (38-26)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey DH

Joe Thurston 2B

Jed Lowrie SS

Chris Carter LF

Bobby Kielty RF

George Kottaras C

Keith Ginter 3B

Chad Spann 1B

Sean Danielson CF

The PawSox take their league-leading home record into today's game. At 22-9 the PawSox have their best home start in franchise history. With last night's win the PawSox are now 5-5 against the Bisons this year.

Hansack makes his 11th start of the season. In his last outing he left the game in the 7th inning against the Charlotte Knights trailing only 4-3. Three inherited runners scored and Hansack was sacked with the loss. Over his last three games Hansack is 0-3 with a 7.64 ERA. But PawSox Manager Ron Johnson said Hansack has pitched better than his numbers indicate.

"I think Davern is gonna hit his stride here" said Johnson, "I think he’s just pitched in some tough luck situations. He's been throwing the ball very well the last few times out."

That's all for now. Check in for updates throughout the game and a complete wrap-up following.