Game 88- Chiefs vs. PawSox, July 2, 2008

The PawSox return home to McCoy tonight (6:15pm) to begin the back end of the four-game home-and-home series with the Syracuse Chiefs. LHP Bill Murphy (5-5, 4.81 ERA) throws for Syracuse. He'll be opposed by RHP Edgar Martinez (3-1, 3.86 ERA) for the PawSox.

I am not able to be at the game tonight...Here is a brief preview...

Syracuse Chiefs (45-39)

The Chiefs come into the game having lost the first two games of the series at home to the PawSox. In last night's contest the Chiefs held a 1-0 and 2-1 lead and tied the game at 3-3 before the PawSox scored two runs in the top of the ninth to secure the win.

Murphy makes his 17th start of the season coming off a disappointing start last time out against Lehigh Valley. In that game Murphy pitched five innings giving up eight earned runs. He has lost three of his last four starts.

Pawtucket Red Sox (55-32)

The PawSox continue to ride high atop the IL North Division, coming home to McCoy after a successful 4-1 road trip through Rochester and Syracuse.

If you haven't heard the news, five members of the PawSox have been named to the International League All-Star Team, the most in PawSox history.

Martinez makes his sixth start of the season tonight. He was extremely impressive his last time out, earning a win last Friday at Rochester. He pitched five scoreless innings, yielding only two hits. He walked four and struck out five.

The PawSox are home for a short four-game home stand. After two games with the Chiefs, the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs come to town for two games. All games this week have earlier than normal starting times as a fireworks display will follow each contest. Tonight, Thursday and Friday games begin at 6:15pm. Saturday's contest will begin at 6:05pm.