Bisons Get To Buchholz, PawSox Pitching Staff, 10-3

The Buffalo Bisons pounded out 16 hits, and PawSox starter Clay Buchholz suffered his first lost of the season, in the Buffalo's 10-3 win last night at McCoy. With the win the Bisons took two out of three in the series. It's the first series lost for Pawtucket since the end of April, also at the hands of the Bisons.

Buchholz (0-1) got himself into a jam in the third inning, giving up two runs. Jorge Velandia led off with a single and advanced to second on a passed ball by PawSox catcher Dusty Brown. A Jordan Brown walk, sandwiched around two outs signaled that Buchholz may survive the inning. But back-to-back singles by Aaron Herr and Brad Snyder plated the first two Buffalo runs.

Buchholz' night ended after three innings. His 73 pitch effort included giving up two runs on six hits. He walked two and struck out three.

The PawSox bullpen did not fare any better against the Buffalo attack. Jose Vaquedano gave up three runs in two innings of work, while Jon Switzer allowed five runs in 3 1/3 innings on the mound. The Bisons hit three homers off the pair, a two-run shot by Brown off Vaquedano in the fourth, a Todd Linden three-run homer in the sixth, and Herr's two-run bomb in the ninth, both off Switzer.

The Bisons received a steady pitching performance from starter Jeff Harris (3-3). He pitched five innings in earning the win, giving up three runs on five hits. He struck out five and walked two.

All three PawSox runs came on a Chris Carter three-run homer to right off Harris in the sixth. It was Carter's third homer in as many games and his 13th of the season. He finished the game going 2 for 4.

The only other bright spot offensively for the PawSox was that Jed Lowrie was able to extend his hitting streak to 11 games by belting a single in the sixth.

Herr and C Wyatt Toregas each had three hits for the Bisons. Velandia, Brown, and Linden chipped in with two hits apiece.

With the victory Buffalo leads the season series over Pawtucket 7-5.

The PawSox will welcome the Louisville Bats for their only McCoy appearance, a four game set which begins tonight (7:05 pm). LHP Adam Pettyjohn (7-1, 4.44) goes for the Bats against RHP David Pauley (8-2, 3.86) for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

Game 66- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 9, 2008

The PawSox look to take the rubber game of their three game series with the Buffalo Bisons as the two clubs play the finale tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. RHP Jeff Harris (2-3, 5.40) will pitch for Buffalo, opposed by RHP Clay Buchholz (0-0, 2.77) for Pawtucket. It's also Legends Night at the stadium as Red Sox greats Tommy Harper and Lou Merloni will be on hand for autographs and photos.

After two straight games in the press box, I need to attend to more pressing issues for the next few days. Here is a brief preview of the match-up nonetheless...

Buffalo Bisons (29-35)

With yesterday afternoon's win the Bisons have the edge in the season series with the PawSox at 6-5. They still remain in fourth place in the IL North, 10 games behind first place Scranton.

Harris will make his 7th start of the season after making 6 appearances out of the pen. He has lost two of his last three outings, yielding a total of 15 earned runs on 23 hits over 17 innings pitched.

Pawtucket Red Sox (38-27)

Entering tonight's contest the PawSox are tied for second in the IL North, 1 1/2 games behind Scranton and tied with Syracuse. The Yankees and Chiefs will finish their suspended game from yesterday and wrap up their series tonight in Moosic, PA.

The PawSox have not lost a series since dropping two games in Buffalo April 26th & 27th. They have won or split the last 10 series they have played.

Buchholz will make his fourth appearance out of the PawSox rotation tonight. Since beginning a rehab assignement on May 25th, Buchholz has been consistent despite not earning decision. In his last outing he pitched five scoreless innings, giving up only three hits in PawSox 4-2 loss at Charlotte.

Jed Lowrie comes in earning a hit in ten straight games. Chris Carter has hit a homer in the first two games of the series against the Bisons.

For those of you going to the game...stay cool...and enjoy!

Bisons Talk

Want to find out more about the Buffalo Bisons? Here is my talk with Ben Wagner, the radio voice of the club...

Bisons Single-Handedly Top PawSox, 9-5

PAWTUCKET-The Buffalo Bisons played small ball in earning a 9-5 victory over the Pawtucket Red Sox this afternoon at McCoy. The win snapped the Bisons three-game losing streak and ended the PawSox three-game winning streak

Buffalo did all their damage without benefit of an extra base hit. All 14 Bisons’ hits were singles.

The PawSox also committed three errors, resulting in three unearned Buffalo runs.

“Our defense got us today”, said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, “We made some mistakes in the field and they took advantage of just about every one”

PawSox starter Davern Hansack (2-8) took the loss, his fourth consecutive negative decision. He lasted five innings, giving up four runs (three earned) on six hits. He walked two and did not strike out a batter.

“It’s just one of those things where he’s battling through it” said Johnson. “The ball’s not bouncing the right way for him.”

Former Red Sox pitcher John Halama (1-0) was solid in his debut with the Bisons. Signed by the Indians earlier last week, Halama earned the win going six complete innings. He gave up three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four.

All five PawSox runs came courtesy of the home run…a two run shot by Carter (his 12th) in the first, a solo homer by Jeff Bailey (#18) in the fifth, and a Jed Lowrie (#2) two-run blast in the eighth.

Down 2-0, the Bisons scored three runs off Hansack in the top of the fourth. With one out Todd Linden walked and made it to second on a single by Jordan Brown. Linden advanced to third on a fielder’s choice by Jason Tyner, erasing Brown at second. Brad Snyder then drove in Linden with single to right. After Snyder stole second and Wyatt Toregas walked to load the bases, Chris De La Cruz drove in a pair with a singe to center.

The Bisons scored an unearned run in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Jordan Brown.

Hunter Jones relieved Hansack in the sixth and the Bisons responded with three runs on five singles. Josh Barfield, Jorge Velandia and Linden drove in the runs.

Down 7-3 in the bottom of the eighth, the PawSox made a run at tying the game. Jed Lowrie belted a two-run homer and Chris Carter and Bobby Kielty reached with no one out. But Bisons’ reliever Jeff Stevens shut the door, striking out George Kottaras and forcing Keith Ginter to ground into a 6-4-3- double play.

The Bisons added two unearned runs in the top of the ninth off Lincoln Holdzkom on a two run single by Toregas

Stevens pitched a scoreless ninth to earn his first save of the season.

Lowrie extended his hitting streak to ten games with the homer. Joe Thurston (2 for 4) and Carter (2 for 4) were the only PawSox batters with more than one hit.

Velandia, Linden, Brown, Tyner, Toregas, and De La Cruz had two hits apiece for the Bisons.

The PawSox and Bisons play the finale of the three game series tomorrow night (7:05 pm). RHP Jeff Harris (2-3, 5.40 ERA) goes for the Bisons against RHP Clay Buchholz (0-0, 2.77 ERA) for the PawSox. It will be Legends Night at McCoy as Sox legends Tommy Harper and Lou Merloni will be available between 7:00pm and 8:30pm for autographs and photos.

BOX SCORE

Bisons Defeat PawSox, 9-5

The Buffalo Bisons took game two of the three game set with the PawSox, 9-5 this afternoon at McCoy.

Complete game report soon...

Bisons Extend Their Lead Over the PawSox, 7-3 after Six

The Buffalo Bisons have upped their lead over the PawSox to 7-3 after six innings.

The Bisons scored their fourth run, an unearned tally off PawSox starter Davern Hansack in the fifth on a sacrifice fly by Jordan Brown.

The PawSox’ third run came in the fifth on a solo homer to right by Jeff Bailey, his 18th of the season.

Hunter Jones relieved Hansack in the sixth and the Bisons responded with three runs on five singles. Josh Barfield, Jorge Velandia and Todd Linden drove in the runs.

Bisons Over Take PawSox, 3-2 Through Four

The Buffalo Bisons have come back to take a 3-2 lead over the PawSox after four innings.

The Bisons scored their three runs off PawSox starter Davern Hansack in the top of the fourth. With one out Todd Linden walked and advanced to second on a single by Jordan Brown. Linden advanced to third on a fielder’s choice by Jason Tyner, erasing Brown at second. Brad Snyder then drove in Linden with single to right. After Snyder stole second and Wyatt Toregas walked to load the bases, Chris De La Cruz drove in a pair with a singe to center.

Hansack has given up four hits with two walks and no strikeouts. He has thrown 78 pitches, 51 for strikes.

Since giving up two runs in the first, former Red Sox pitcher John Halama has settled down, giving up only one more hit over the last three innings.

Carter Leads PawSox to 2-0 Lead after Two

The PawSox have again gotten off to a fast start against the Buffalo Bisons, leading 2-0 after two innings at McCoy.

The PawSox' runs came off the bat of Chris Carter, who launched a deep two-run homer to right in the bottom of the first. It was Carter's 12th homer of the season and his second in two days.

The PawSox had the bases loaded with two out in the second, but could not score.

Davern Hansack has pitched well through two innings, giving up only one hit.

One side note...the PawSox are wearing their alternate red jerseys for this afternoon's contest.

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.

PawSox Handle Bisons, 9-1

PAWTUCKET- The Pawtucket Red Sox arrived back home from an 8-game road trip later than expected and a bit weary. But you couldn’t tell by their play on the field as they beat the Buffalo Bisons, 9-1, tonight at a balmy McCoy Stadium.

“It was a tough day today”, said PawSox skipper Ron Johnson about the team’s road back home, “I know it’s part of the business. But I could not have been prouder of our performance.”

The PawSox received another strong outing from starter Charlie Zink (7-2). His only blemish came in the seventh inning when he surrendered a single to Todd Linden, a double to Jordan Brown and an RBI ground out to Aaron Herr.

“It was a struggle” said Zink, referring to the long day of travel and the humid weather, “I don’t know how we did it tonight. I tried to pound the zone and let everyone else do all the work.”

“He got us off the field,” said Johnson, “When we scored we got what we wanted to see, (Zink) putting up a zero.”

Earning the win Zink pitched eight innings, giving up only four hits, walking one and striking out two. He threw 108 pitches, 65 for strikes. Michael Tejera relieved Zink and pitched a scoreless ninth.

“The development of Charlie Zink over the years is where it should be”, said Johnson, “He’s gone through the peaks and valleys. The maturity level of his pitching is really good.”

Three Buffalo errors aided the PawSox on their way to scoring three times in the bottom of the third of former PawSox pitcher Matt Ginter. With one out, Gil Velazquez reached on a bunt single and advanced to second when second baseman Josh Barfield threw wild to first. Jonathan Van Every drove in Velazquez with a single, and wound up on third after an errant throw to the plate by Todd Linden. Jeff Bailey then hit a grounder to third that was thrown away by Aaron Herr, plating Van Every. After a Joe Thurston single moved Bailey to third, Jed Lowrie drove in Bailey on a deep sacrifice fly to left.

The PawSox scored a single run in the bottom of the fourth on a RBI double by Sean Danielson and added two more in the fifth on a double by Jed Lowrie and a long homer run to right by Chris Carter, his 11th of the season.

Pawtucket added to their lead in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Joe Thurston and added their final two in the eighth on a two run home run by Van Every to deep left center.

With the double, Lowrie extended his hitting streak to nine games.

Thurston led all PawSox hitters with three hits (3 for 5). Danielson (2 for 4), Velazquez (2 for 4), and Van Every (2 for 3) had two hits apiece. Van Every also drove in three runs.

Ginter took the loss to drop to 3-6 for the season. Brown had two hits (2 for 4) to pace the Bisons’ attack.

Game two of the series is tomorrow afternoon at 1:05 PM. Former Red Sox pitcher John Halama will make his debut for Buffalo, opposed by Davern Hansack (2-7, 6.19 ERA) for Pawtucket.

NOTES- With the win the PawSox are now 22-9 at home, the best record in the International League and the best home record after 31 games in franchise history.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Beat Bisons, 9-1

The PawSox had little trouble handling the Buffalo Bisons, winning 9-1 tonight before 9,121 fans at McCoy.

Charlie Zink (7-2) got the win for Pawtucket. Former PawSox pitcher Matt Ginter (3-6) took the loss.

Complete game report forthcoming.

PawSox Extend Their Lead to 7-0 Over Buffalo After Six

The PawSox have upped their lead over the Buffalo Bisons, to 7-0, after six full innings.

Pawtucket added a pair of runs in the bottom of the fifth on a Jed Lowrie double and a two-run homer by Chris Carter.

The seventh run came in the bottom of the sixth on an RBI single by Joe Thurston.

With the double Lowrie has now hit in nine straight games.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink has breezed, allowing only rwo hits through six innings. He has retired the last seven Buffalo batters.

PawSox Lead Bisons 4-0 After Four Innings

The Pawtucket Red Sox lead the Buffalo Bisons, 4-0 after four innings tonight at McCoy.

The PawSox scored three runs in the third inning with the help of three Buffalo errors. With one out, Gil Velazquez reached on a bunt single and advanced to second when second baseman Josh Barfield threw wild to first. Jonathan Van Every drove in Velazquez with a single, and wound up on third after an errant throw to the plate by right fielder Todd Linden. Van Every scored on an error by third baseman Aaron Herr on a ball hit by Jeff Bailey. After a Joe Thurston single moved Bailey to third, Jed Lowrie drove in the third Pawtucket run on a deep sacrifice fly to left.

The PawSox added their fourth run in the bottom of the fourth on a Chad Spann walk and a double to left by Sean Danielson.

Charlie Zink has been solid on the mound for the PawSox. Through four innings he has given up two hits, walking one and striking out one. He has thrown 55 pitches, 33 for strikes.

PawSox/Bisons Scoreless After Two

Both the PawSox and the Buffalo Bisons are feeling each other out as they are scoreless after two innings tonight at McCoy.

The Bisons have one hit. The PawSox are still looking for their first.

Game 64- Bisons vs. PawSox, June 7, 2008

The PawSox are back home tonight at McCoy to begin a three game series witn IL North Division foe the Buffalo Bisons. RHP Matt Ginter (3-5, 4.58) goes for the Bisons against RHP Charlie Zink (6-2, 2.60) for the PawSox.

I am here on press row...here is a first hand preview...

Buffalo Bisons (28-34)

LINE-UP

Josh Barfield 2B

Jorge Velandia SS

Michael Aubrey 1B

Todd Linden RF

Jordan Brown DH

Aaron Herr 3B

Brad Snyder CF

Jason Cooper LF

Yamid Haad C

The Bisons start the day in fourth place in the IL North, 9 1/2 games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre. They are 8 1/2 games behind the PawSox in third place. The Bisons hold a 5-4 edge over the PawSox this season.

Ginter, a former PawSox pitcher, makes his 11th start of the season for Buffalo. He was a tough luck loser his last outing, last Monday against the Columbus Clippers. In that game he pitched 6 innings, yielding 5 runs, only one of which was earned. He gave up five hits...walking two and striking out three.

OF Brad Snyder enters the game hitting in eight of his last nine games, hitting an even .500 over that stretch.

Pawtucket Red Sox (37-26)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B

Joe Thurston LF

Jed Lowrie SS

Chirs Carter DH

Dusty Brown C

Chad Spann 3B

Sean Danielson RF

Gil Velazquez 2B

Jonathan Van Every CF

The PawSox were able to gain ground on their two closest rivals in the IL North as both Scranton and Syracuse lost last night. Pawtucket remains in third place, one game out of first and a 1/2 game out of second. The PawSox finished their recent road trip through the Carolinas at 4-4, winning their last two games.

The team has not had much time to rest as it arrived at McCoy early this afternoon from their trip to Charlotte. But the good news is that the PawSox will be able to enjoy their home fans for a while. They play 15 of their next 19 at McCoy. Entering the game with the best home record in the league, it's a perfect time for the team to make some headway in the standings.

"I don't want to put expectations on us like that" said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson, "Its a marathon. We're gonna go out tonight and try to win inning by inning."

Zink was scheduled to pitch last night in Charlotte but was held back until tonight. Johnson said the move was just a way to re-shuffle the rotation and also get a look at Edgar Martizez (last night's starter) in a starting role.

Zink makes his 13th start tonight. He was removed early in his last outing in Durham after enduring two lengthy rain delays. In 11 of his starts Zink is 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA.

Jed Lowrie enters tonight's action with an 8 game hitting streak, over which he is batting .452 with three doubles, a triple, and 5 RBI's

Bisons Rebound, Edge PawSox 4-2

The Pawtucket Red Sox could not duplicate the success of Wednesday's double header sweep, falling to the Buffalo Bisons last night 4-2, in the finale of a four game set at Dunn Tire Park.

For the third straight game the PawSox received solid starting pitching, this time from knucleballer Charlie Zink. He threw 5 1/3 innings, giving up two runs (one earned) on three hits. He left the game with the score tied at 2-2.

Newcomer Hunter Jones (0-1) made his PawSox debut and yielded the go ahead run in the bottom of the seventh. With one out the Bisons collected three consecutive hits; a single by Andy Gonzalez, a double by Brad Snyder, and a single by Bronson Sardinha, driving in Gonzalez.

Jon Switzer gave up a solo homer to Danny Sandoval in the eighth to cap the Buffalo scoring.

As shaky as the PawSox pen looked, the Buffalo relief corps was strong. Following a consistent effort from starter Matt Ginter, Rich Rundles (5-1) and Rick Bauer pitched scoreless ball to close out the game. Rundles got the win. Bauer notched his tenth save.

Offensively the PawSox scattered seven hits. They scored their runs in the top of the second on an RBI triple by Sean Danielson followed by a run producing single by Chad Spann.

Sandoval drove in two runs to lead the Bisons at the plate.

The PawSox head to Pennsylvania today to begin a four game series tonight (7:00pm) with the first place Scranton Wilkes/Barre Yankees.

BOX SCORE

BUFFALO NEWS REPORT

Game 43- PawSox vs. Bisons, May 16, 2008

The PawSox look to build upon their double header sweep from yesterday as they wrap up a four game set with the Buffalo Bisons tonight in Buffalo. The PawSox will send RHP Charlie Zink (4-2, 2.91) to the mound against RHP Matt Ginter (1-4, 6.48) for Buffalo.

Here are a few pre-game tidbits...

Pawtucket Red Sox (25-17)

Yesterday's double header win put the PawSox alone in second place in the IL North Division, 3 1/2 games behind Scranton Wilkes/Barre. The PawSox are eight games over .500 for the first time since may of 2004.

Zink will have a challenge in keeping up with the success the PawSox pitching staff attained yesterday, giving up only one Buffalo run over 14 innings of the twin bill. In his last outing (May 11th) Zink picked up the win against the Norfolk Tides. He pitched six innings giving up four runs in PawSox 8-5 victory.

We have talked about how Jeff Bailey has thrived since moving to the lead-off spot in the PawSox line-up. One stat this has not been as publicized is that he has an on base percentage of .404. Not bad for a lead-off hitter...on any level.

Off the field the PawSox placed Kyle Snyder on the 7 day disabled list with a right groin strain. He suffered the injury Tuesday night against Buffalo.

Buffalo Bisons (18-23)

The Bisons look to earn a split of the series, coming from behind to win game one of the series 6-5.

Ginter will make his seventh start of the season against his former club. He won his last start last Sunday against Rochester, where he pitched six innings yielding two runs on five hits.

Solid Pitching, Timely Hitting Lead PawSox to Game Two Win 9-1

The Pawtucket Red Sox completed an impressive sweep of the Buffalo Bisons this afternoon, taking game two of the double header 9-1.

David Pauley (4-2) followed the outstanding performance by Bartolo Colon in game one by throwing a gem of his own. He threw five scoreless innings, giving up five hits, walking one and striking out two. Michael Tejera and Eric Hull finished the game on the mound for the PawSox with Tejera yielding the only run of the twin bill.

Jeff Bailey continues to hammer the ball out of the lead-off spot. He went 2 for 5 with a double, homer, and two more RBI. His 10 homers place him fifth in the International League. He is also among the league leaders in RBI's (seventh with 30) and batting average (eighth at .326)

Chad Spann added to the PawSox barrage with a three-run homer in the top of the seventh. Jed Lowrie drove in a pair with Sandy Madera and Sean Danielson driving in one run each.

Joe Thurston and Dusty Brown each went 3 for 4, part of the 14 hit attack for the PawSox.

Not much positive from the Buffalo side of the field, given the Bisons were able to score only one run over 14 innings. Jason Stanford (3-4) took the loss.

The PawSox look to keep the momentum on their side when they wrap-up the four game series with Buffalo tomorrow night (7:05pm) at Dunn Tire Park. RHP Charlie Zink (4-2, 2.91) gets the call for Pawtucket against former PawSox RHP Matt Ginter (1-4, 6.48).

GAME TWO BOX SCORE

Colon Shines as PawSox Take Game One, 2-0

Bartolo Colon Pitched six scoreless innings, giving up only one hit, as the PawSox edged the Buffalo Bisons in game one of today's double header 2-0.

Colon (2-0) was solid, striking out four and walking no one. He threw only 64 pitches in six innings, 45 of which were strikes. With this solid performance the Red Sox may be pressured to call up Colon before his next start.

Chris Smith pitched a perfect seventh to notch his fourth save.

The Pawtucket runs came in the first on a George Kottaras single and a Sandy Madera sacrifice fly.

Buffalo starter Adam Miller (0-1) was also impressive in taking the loss. He gave up only two hits in his six innings on the mound.

Game two comes up momentarily with David Pauley on the mound for Pawtucket against Jason Stanford for Buffalo.

BOX SCORE

Game 41 & Game 42- PawSox vs. Bisons, May 15, 2008

After last night's rain out there is not much new to report from the PawSox in preparation for today's double header (1:05pm) against the Buffalo Bisons at Dunn Tire Park. RHP Bartolo Colon (1-0, 1.13) will go for Pawtucket in game one against LHP Jason Stanford (3-3, 5.00). RHP David Pauley (3-2, 3.56) starts for Pawtucket in game two, opposed by RHP Adam Miller (0-0, 2.04) for the Bisons.

Here is a reprint of yesterday's preview, adding the game two starters...

Pawtucket Red Sox (23-17)

With last night's loss the PawSox fell to third place in the IL North. They are still 5 games out of first and only 1/2 game behind second place Syracuse. They are currently 2-4 against Buffalo this season.

The PawSox are without the services of Jonathan Van Every, promoted to Boston earlier today to fill the roster spot of Clay Buchholz who was placed on the 15-day disabled list with a tear of his fingernail on the middle finger of his pitching hand.

Pauley will make his seventh start of the season tonight. He earned the win his last time out May 8th at home against Durham. He threw six innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits.

Colon is expected to be stretched out a little more today in his third start of the season for Pawtucket. In his last start May 10th against Norfolk he pitched three innings, giving up one run on four hits. If all goes well there is a good chance his next start may come with Boston.

Buffalo Bisons (18-21)

This will be Miller's fifth start of the season. He has yet to earn a decision, despite pitching well. In three of his four previous starts Miller did not yield an earned run in 14 combined innings of work. He has struggled only once, giving up four runs May 4th against Charlotte.

Stanford makes his fourth start for the Bisons. Last time out he received a no decision against Rochester throwing six innings and giving up two runs on four hits.