PawSox Hit the Road Running

The PawSox began their 8-game Virginia road swing in grand fashion tonight, putting together a 8-5 win over the Richmond Braves at the Diamond.

Six Pawtucket starters drove in at least one run and the pitching staff was bolstered by another solid pitching performance out of David Pauley, who secured his 11th win of the season, tops in the International League.

The PawSox offense got on the board in the second inning against Braves starter Chuck James on a solo homer by Dusty Brown (his 8th of the season), and an RBI single by Jeff Bailey.

Pawtucket added a single run in the fifth on a Bobby Kietly sacrifice fly scoring Jed Lowrie, who led off the inning with a double to left.

The PawSox were aided by a wild Braves pitching staff in the sixth when they scored five runs and sent 11 players to the plate. Chad Spann led off with a double and advanced to second on a bunt single by Sean Danielson. After Jonathan Van Every struck out, James was replaced by Andy Shabilio. Danielson stole second and Bailey walked to load the bases. Following a Joe Thurston strike out, Lowrie and Chris Carter worked back-to-back walks to force in two runs. Kielty then singled sharply to center, plating two more PawSox runs. Two more walks to Brown and Spann resulted in the fifth Pawtucket run of the inning.

Pauley's only trouble came in the fifth when he gave up four Richmond runs, only two of which were earned. Four consecutive singles to lead off the inning, capped by a two run hit by Clint Simmons got the Braves back in the game. A throwing error by Lowrie helped get two more Braves runners in scoring position for Derrick Arnold, who singled in two runs two batters later. At the time those tallies gave Richmond a 4-3 lead.

For the game Pauley threw six innings. He gave up seven hits, walked three and struck out four. Eric Hull pitched two scoreless innings of relief. Chris Smith came on and surrendered Anderson's third RBI of the night in the bottom of the ninth.

Bailey went 3 for 5 to pace the PawSox attack. Danielson added two hits. Kielty drove in three runs.

Game two of the four game series will be tomorrow night (7:00pm). Edgar Martinez (3-1) throws for the PawSox. He will face Francisley Bueno (2-3) for the Braves.

Iron Pigs Get the Best of Buchholz, PawSox

Clay Buchholz is human.

With a 4-0 record and a 0.40 ERA over his last four starts, Buchholz proved last night he can have an off night, giving up all five runs in the PawSox' 5-2 loss at the hands of the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs last night at McCoy.

Buchholz gave up four runs in the third, courtesy of a Mike Cervenack RBI double and a three run homer to Andy Tracy. Cervenack drove in another run off Buchholz in the fifth.

Overall Buchholz (4-2) pitched five innings, giving up six hits while walking two and striking five. He also threw a wild pitch.

On the other side of the field Lehigh Valley starter Travis Blackley (4-5) got off to a rough start but settled down to earn the win. Blackley gave up both PawSox runs in the bottom of the first on Chris Carter's two run homer, his 18th of the season. Blackley would scatter five PawSox hits over seven innings, walking one while striking out eight.

The win was the first for the Iron Pigs over the PawSox this year and earned a split of the two game series at McCoy.

Pawtucket now embarks on an 8-game road trip beginning tonight (6:00pm) with game one of a four game series in Richmond against the Braves. RHP David Pauley (10-2, 3.40) takes the mound for the PawSox opposed by LHP Chuck James (3-3, 2.00) for the Braves.

Game 91- Iron Pigs vs. PawSox, July 5, 2008

The PawSox and Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs finish their brief two-game set tonight (6:05pm) at McCoy. LHP Travis Blackley (3-5, 4.46) throws for Lehigh Valley. He'll be opposed by Pawtucket RHP Clay Buchholz (4-1, 1.63).

I am away from McCoy for the finale of the home stand...So only time for a brief preview..

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (34-55)

The Iron Pigs began their inaugural campaign at 0-11. They have recovered, but are still tied with Norfolk for the worst record in the International League.

Blackley makes his 15th start of 2008. He was charged with a loss his last two outings, giving up a total of 5 runs over 13 innings.

Pawtucket Red Sox (57-33)

The PawSox come in winners of two straight and 13 of their last 15. More importantly they are a perfect 9-0 against the Iron Pigs this season.

Buchholz enters tonight arguably the hottest pitcher in the league. He is 4-0 in his last four starts, with a microscopic 0.40 ERA. Over those four games he has struck out 24 while walking only 5. He defeated the Iron Pigs on June 14th, working six innings and giving up only one unearned run.

Fireworks again after the game. Enjoy!

PawSox Edge Iron Pigs, 7-6

Successful baseball teams often find ways to overcome adversity. With that said we can say that the 2008 edition of the Pawtucket Red Sox is a successful baseball team.

The PawSox surrendered a three run lead late in last night's game with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs, but were still able to escape with a 7-6 win before a huge Independence Day crowd at McCoy.

Leading 6-3 after five innings, PawSox relievers Jose Vaquedano and Hunter Jones allowed the Iron Pigs to tie the game with three runs over the sixth and seventh innings. Mike Rouse drove home in a run with an RBI single in the sixth while Jon Knott tied the game with a two-run double in the seventh.

But PawSox were never rattled, and Jeff Bailey broke the tie with a solo homer to lead off the bottom of the eighth off Iron Pigs reliever R.J. Swindle.

PawSox reliever Chris Smith, back with the team after being optioned back by the Red Sox on Thursday, pitched a scoreless ninth inning to complete the win and secure his ninth save of the season.

Much of the PawSox offense came from the team's representatives to the Triple-A All Star Team. Joe Thurston (2 for 5) belted a homer and drove in three runs. Chris Carter (3 for 5, 1 RBI) also homered. Bailey (2 for 4) drove in a run in the second, giving him two RBI's for the game. Dusty Brown and Gil Velasquez added two hits apiece with Brown also driving in a run.

Before the Iron Pigs' comeback, Pawtucket starter Devern Hansack was in line for his third straight win. He pitched five innings, and was charged with three runs on seven hits. He walked three and struck out six.

Former major league starter Kris Benson had his second disappointing outing for the Iron Pigs. Even though he did not figure in the decision, he did give up six runs on nine hits over five innings of work.

The two teams close out their brief two game series tonight (6:05 pm) at McCoy. Phillies ace Bret Myers (0-1, 5.40 ERA) makes his second Triple-A start for Lehigh Valley. He'll be opposed by the PawSox' Clay Buchholz (4-1, 1.63 ERA).

BOX SCORE

Zink Stymies Chiefs

PAWTUCKET- Charlie Zink showed tonight why he was selected to the International League All-Star team.

Zink was spectacular on the mound, holding the Syracuse Chiefs to two hits, while Keith Ginter drove in three runs to lead the PawSox to a 3-0 victory tonight before 10,128 in attendance at McCoy.

Zink was extremely efficient. He walked two and struck out eight on 93 pitches, 62 of which were strikes. Zink never allowed a Syracuse runner past second base.

“It’s been going on all year” said Zink, “If I’m able to throw strikes, get the guys to put the ball in play, we got a great defense and they go out and make a lot of plays for me.”

“(PawSox pitching coach) Rich (Sauveur) has got me locked in where I’m comfortable repeating my delivery” said Zink, “I’m able to throw a lot of strikes.”

“You could just feel it” said PawSox Manager Ron Johnson of Zink’s command, “He was up and down. He was throwing strikes. That’s probably as close as comfortable as I’ve felt in the dugout.”

Zink’s complete game shutout was the first by a PawSox pitcher since September 5, 2004 when Jamie Brown turned the trick against Scranton.

The PawSox were held hitless by Syracuse starter Scott Richmond until the fourth, when they scored their first run. Joe Thurston led off the inning with a single and hustled to third on a follow-up single by Jed Lowrie. After Chris Carter struck out, Thurston scored as Ginter grounded back to Richmond, who potentially had a play at the plate but chose instead to get the safe out at first.

The PawSox did not add to their lead until the eighth. Jonathan Van Every and Jeff Bailey led off with singles off Syracuse reliever Chris George. Thurston then walked to load the bases. Jordan DeJong replaced George. After Lowrie and Carter popped out, Ginter drove in two with a line drive single to center.

“That was a huge hit” said Johnson “You could feel the momentum swing. If you pitch out of that with the bases loaded, that could force your hand.”

Richmond (0-1) was the tough luck loser. He worked seven innings, giving up one run on two hits. He walked three and struck out eight.

The PawSox open a short, two-game series beginning tomorrow night (6:15pm) at McCoy against the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. RHP Kris Benson (0-1, 9.00 ERA) goes for the Iron Pigs. RHP Davern Hansack (4-8, 4.39 ERA) takes the mound for Pawtucket.

BOX SCORE

PawSox Shut Out Chiefs 3-0

The Pawtucket Red Sox received outstanding pitvhing from starter Charlie Zink and Keith Ginter drove in all three runs as the Paw Sox shut out the Syracuse Chiefs tonight, 3-0.

Complete game story coming soon

PawSox Still On Top of Chiefs, 1-0 After Six

The PawSox still lead the Syracuse Chiefs, 1-0, after six innings tonight at McCoy.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink continues to be impressive on the mound. Through six innings he has given up only one hit while walking two and striking out six. Zink has remained stingy, allowing only one Chiefs runner to reach second. He has thrown only 67 pitches, 43 for strikes.

PawSox Lead Chiefs, 1-0 Through Four

The PawSox lead the Syracuse Chiefs, 1-0 after four innings.

Pawtucket scored their run off Chiefs' starter Scott Richmond in the bottom of the fourth. Joe Thurston led the inning with a single. He advanced to third on a single by Jed Lowrie. After Chris Carter struck out, Thurston scored on a grounder by Keith Ginter in which Richmond's indecisiveness cost the Chief's a potential out at the plate.

The game has been dominated by solid pitching from PawSox starter Charlie Zink. He has allowed only one hit while walking two and striking out three. He continues to be extremely efficient, throwing only 47 pitches, 28 of them for strikes, through four innings.

PawSox, Chiefs Scoreless After Two

The PawSox and Syracuse Chiefs are scoreless after two innings before a packed crowd tonight at McCoy.

PawSox starter Charlie Zink has been impressive through two innings. He has faced the minimum, giving up only one hit while striking out two. He has thrown 20 pitches, 13 for strikes.

Syracuse pitcher Scott Richmond has been equally impressive. He has retired the first six PawSox batters, also striking out two.

Game 89- Chiefs vs. PawSox, July 3, 2008

The PawSox look to add to their International League-leading win total as they wrap-up their four game home-and-home series with the Syracuse Chiefs tonight (6:15pm) at McCoy. RHP Scott Richmond (0-0, 1.50 ERA) goes for Syracuse. He'll be opposed by RHP Charlie Zink (8-2, 2.63 ERA) for the PawSox.

I am back at the stadium for tonight's game. Here is a preview...

Syracuse Chiefs (46-39)

LINE-UP

Wayne Lydon RF
Danny Sandoval 2B
Buck Coats CF
Russ Adams LF
Kevin Mench DH
Hector Luna 3B
Chip Cannon 1B
Curtis Thigpen C
Pedro Lopez SS

Richmond makes his second start for the Chiefs. During his first appearance last Saturday against Lehigh Valley, Richmond pitched well, giving-up only one run over six innings. He gave up nine hits, striking out five and walking no one. Richmond made 16 starts this year for Double-A New Hampshire. He complied a record of 5-8 with an ERA of 4.58 for the Fisher Cats.

Lydon enters the game leading the International League in steals with 35. It was his feet that lead Syracuse to their 6-5 win last night. He reached first on a walk in the ninth and promptly stole second and advanced to third an a throwing error by PawSox catcher Dusty Brown. Lydon scored on the RBI bunt single by Danny Sandoval.

Pawtucket Red Sox (55-33)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B
Joe Thurston 2B
Jed Lowrie SS
Chris Carter DH
Keith Ginter 3B
George Kottaras C
Bobby Kielty RF
Sean Danielson LF
Jonathan Van Every CF

The PawSox were unable to complete the comeback last night against the Chiefs. They still are firmly in control of the IL's North Division, four games on top of Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Despite last night's loss, the PawSox hold a 6-4 edge over the Chiefs this season.

Zink makes his 18th start of the season. The recently named All-Star has actually struggled a bit over his last two starts. In games against Richmond and Rochester, Zink gave up a total of nine runs in 14 1/3 innings of work. He was not involved in the decision in either of those contests. Zink has faced the Chiefs one other time this season. He did not figure in the decision on April 24th when Zink threw six innings, surrendering two runs on nine hits.

Jed Lowrie went 0 for 5 yesterday, putting an end to his 11-game hitting streak. George Kottaras enters the game with four homers in his last four games. He has hit safely in 11 of his last 14 games, going .321 with seven homers and 14 RBI's. All-Star Joe Thurston is riding a five game hitting streak, hitting an even .500 with two doubles, a triple, and five RBI's.

Mike Timlin was recalled by the Red Sox from his rehab assignment with the PawSox. The Sox have optioned reliever Chris Smith back to the PawSox. Pawtucket is at their roster limit and need to make a move before Smith rejoins the club.

Check back often as I will be providing periodic updates throughout the game.

Cheifs Use Small Ball to Beat PawSox 6-5

With the current success of the PawSox, teams are needing to find innovative ways to win. That's exactly what the Syracuse Chiefs did last night.

Syracuse used their speed to break-up a 5-5 tie in the top of the ninth and earn a 6-5 victory before an overflowing crowd of 12,291 at McCoy.

After PawSox reliever Eric Hull (1-3) retired the first two batters in the ninth. Speedy Chief's lead-off man Wayne Lydon reached with a walk. Lydon stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by PawSox catcher Dusty Brown. With the infield back, second baseman Danny Sandoval laid down a perfect bunt single to third, scoring Lydon and giving Syracuse the lead.

The PawSox had a chance to tie the game after Jed Lowrie reached scoring position with one out. But Chris Carter grounded out to first and Keith Ginter struck out to end the game.

For the second straight game the PawSox needed to play a game of catch-up after the Chiefs took an early lead. Syracuse scored three runs off PawSox starter Edgar Martinez in the second on a pair of singes by Lydon and Sandoval. They also added another run of Martinez in the fourth on Eric Kratz' ninth homer of the year.

The PawSox were able to knot the game at 4-4 with a Jonathan Van Every ground out RBI in the second and a Brown RBI triple and Chad Spann two-run homer, both in the fourth.

Pawtucket actually took a 5-4 lead in the bottom of the fifth on a Brown sacrifice fly. Syracuse tied the game in the sixth as 3B Kevin Mellilio would score on a two-out throwing error by Lowrie.

Martinez only lasted three innings for the PawSox, giving up four runs on six hits. Miguel Asencio came on in relief and pitched four strong innings, yielding one un-earned run on one hit. Micheal Tejera pitched a perfect eighth.

Syracuse starter Bill Murphy threw five innings giving up all five PawSox runs on eight hits. The Chiefs relief crew of Jonah Bayliss, Mike Gosling, and Brian Wolfe kept Pawtucket off the score board the remainder of the game. Wolfe earned his first win of the season.

Sandoval had three hits and drove in two to lead the Syracuse attack. For the PawSox Brown (2 for 3) and Spann (1 for 3) drove in a pair of runs each. OF Bobby Kielty returned to the PawSox line-up and contributed with a 2 for 5 night. Kielty had been on the disabled list since June 9th with a right oblique strain.

The two teams wrap-up their four-game home-and-home series tonight with Scott Richmond (0-0) throwing for Syracuse, opposed by PawSox All-Star starter Charlie Zink (8-2). Tonight's contest again starts at 6:15pm to accommodate a fireworks show at game's end.

BOX SCORE

Kielty Back With PawSox

One late note from McCoy that I did not include in my pre-game notes...OF Bobby Kielty has been reactivated by the PawSox from the disabled list. He had been sidelined since June 9th with a right oblique strain.

To make room for Kielty on the roster the PawSox placed OF Bryan Pritz on the 7-day disabled list with a right shoulder strain.

Kielty is in the line-up tonight, bating second and playing right field.

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.

Five PawSox Named to International League All-Star Team

The International League today announced its roster for the Triple-A All-Star game and the PawSox are well represented.

Pawtucket, with the best record in the league, has the most representatives with five. It's the most the team has ever sent to the Triple-A Mid-Summer Classic.

Leading the PawSox squad to the game will be Joe Thurston, who leads the IL in batting with a .324 average. Joining Thurston are Jeff Bailey, Chris Carter, Jonathan Van Every, and pitcher Charlie Zink.

The Triple-A All-Star Game will be held July 16th in Louisville.

PawSox Come Back to Nip Chiefs 5-3

The PawSox gave up a lead in the eighth, but stormed back to get two runs in the ninth, good enough to edge the Syracuse Chiefs, 5-3 last night. The win earned Pawtucket a sweep of the Syracuse end of the four game home-and-home series. The PawSox also ended their five-game road trip with a 4-1 record.

The PawSox did all their damage in the ninth with two outs. Three consecutive singles by Dusty Brown, Sean Danielson, and Jonathan Van Every broke the 3-3 tie. After Jeff Bailey walked to load the bases, Joe Thurston was hit by a pitch from Chief's reliever Mike Gosling (3-4) giving Pawtucket an insurance run.

The PawSox found themselves in comeback mode all night, erasing deficits of 1-0 and 2-1 to take a 3-2 lead into the bottom of the eighth. The first three Pawtucket runs scored on a Chris Carter sacrifice fly in the fourth and a George Kottaras two-run homer in the seventh, his 16th of the season.

PawSox starter David Pauley was in line to earn his 11th win of the year, but reliever Lincoln Holdzkom could not hold the lead in the eighth. Wayne Lydon began the inning by grounding a single past short them stealing second. A Danny Sandoval sacrifice bunt put Lydon at third with one out. After Ben Coats walked, Matt Watson laced an RBI single to right, tying the game.

Jon Switzer came on in relief of Holdzkom and ended the Syracuse rally without any other runs crossing the plate.

Pauley pitched seven innings giving up two runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out four in earning the no decision. Switzer (4-1) picked up the win. Hunter Jones came on to close the game, gathering his fifth save on 2008.

Keith Ginter and Danielson each had two hits for Pawtucket. Jed Lowrie's double in the fourth extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

Lydon and Sandoval collected two hits each for the Chiefs.

The McCoy portion of the home-and-home series with the Chiefs begins tonight at McCoy as LHP Bill Murphy (5-5) takes the mound for Syracuse against RHP Edgar Martinez (3-1) for the PawSox.

Keep in mind that there will be earlier starting times for this week's four-game home stand at McCoy. Games Wednesday through Friday begin at 6:15pm while Saturday's finale will begin at 6:05pm. A fireworks display will follow each game of the home stand.

BOX SCORE

Game 87- PawSox vs. Chiefs, July 1, 2008

The PawSox are looking for July to be just as kind to them as June was. Pawtucket begins the new month by wrapping up their five game road trip tonight (7:00 pm) at Alliance Bank Park against the Syracuse Chiefs. David Pauley (10-2, 3.47 ERA) starts for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by David Purcey (6-6, 2.88 ERA) for the Chiefs.

Here is a preview of tonight's contest...

Pawtucket Red Sox (54-32)

The PawSox enter the game with a 3-1 record so far on this road trip and winners of 9 of their last 10 away from McCoy Stadium. They had a June to remember, finishing the month with a 20-9 record. Pawtucket remains five games on top of the IL's North Division.

Pauley enters the game tied for the league lead in victories with 10. He has won his last two starts, yielding a total of 2 runs on 9 hits in 14 innings of work. Over his last 10 starts Pauley is 8-0 with a 3.38 ERA.

Jed Lowrie enters the game with a 10 game hitting streak. Over that span he is batting .341 with two doubles, three homers, and 12 RBI's.

Syracuse Chiefs (45-38)

After last night's 5-2 loss to the PawSox the Chiefs are now 7 1/2 games out of first place in the IL North. They are 2 1/2 games behind second place Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

Purcey comes into the game losing two of his last three starts. In those games he gave up nine runs in 16 innings pitched. Purcey faced the PawSox back on May 4th in Syracuse. He took the loss, surrendering two runs on five hits over six innings.

Buchholz Paces PawSox Win

PawSox starter Clay Buchholz put together another strong pitching performance, leading Pwtucket to a 5-2 victory over the Syracuse Chiefs last night at Alliance Bank Stadium. The win is the PawSox' third in four tries on this current road trip, and nine out of their last ten away from McCoy Stadium.

Buchholz (4-1, 1.63 ERA) threw five innings of scoreless ball, limiting the Chiefs to four hits. He walked one and struck out three three. Over his last 22 2/3 innings Buchholz has only surrendered one earned run.

Pawtucket scored a run in the first off Chiefs starter Davis Romero (3-6) on a Joe Thurston RBI double, driving in Jeff Bailey who led the game off with a single.

The PawSox would get all the rest of the runs in top of the fifth, touching Romero for four runs and sending nine players to the plate. With two out and Sean Danielson on second base (courtesy a fielder's choice and stolen base) Bailey singled to left, scoring Danielson. Thurston then followed with a single to center. Bailey scored and Thurston advanced to third as the throw to the plate was mishandled by Chiefs catcher Curtis Thigpen. A Jed Lowrie walk and Chris Carter single plated Thurston with the fourth PawSox run. Following a Syracuse pitching change, Lowrie scored on a Keith Ginter RBI single to center.

Thurston finished the day 3 for 5 to raise his International League leading batting average to .324. Bailey and Danielson had two hits each.

PawSox reliever Michael Tejera gave up both Syracuse runs in the bottom of the seventh on a Chip Cannon RBI single and a Thigpen sacrifice fly.

The rest of the Pawtucket bullpen was solid. Mike Timlin threw another scoreless rehab inning. Eric Hull and Hunter Jones finished the game for the PawSox, with Jones securing his fourth save of the season.

Romero worked only 4 2/3 innings in taking the loss.

The two clubs wrap-up the Syracuse portion of their four game home-and-home series tonight (7:00 pm). David Pauley (10-2) takes the mound for the PawSox, opposed by David Purcey (6-6) for Syracuse.

BOX SCORE

Game 86- PawSox vs. Chiefs, June 30, 2008

The PawSox begin the first game of a short two-game series in Syracuse tonight (7:00 pm) against the Chiefs. Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.87 ERA) toes the mound for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Davis Romero (3-5, 3.48 ERA) for the Chiefs.

Here is a brief look at tonight's contest...

Pawtucket Red Sox (53-32)

The PawSox continue to ride high after taking two of three in Rochester against the Red Wings. Pawtucket has won 9 of its last 10 and and 13 of 15 and have opened a 5 game lead over Scranton/Wilkes Barre in the IL's North Division. This the eighth game of the season between these two clubs with the PawSox holding a 4-3 edge.

Buchholz enters tonight's contest a winner in his last three starts. Over that stretch he has allowed only one earned run on 12 hits in 17 2/3 innings.

In news off the field, PawSox starter Davern Hansack today was named the International League's Pitcher of the Week. Hansack was 2-0 for the week, pitching a total of 15 scoreless innings in victories over Richmond and Rochester. After a slow start to the season Hansack is currently enjoying a 23-inning consecutive scoreless streak.

(Syracuse Chiefs 45-37)

The Chiefs enter the game treading water, with a 4-6 in their last 10 games.

Romero makes his 17th start of the season tonight. He has won his last two starts, giving up only two earned runs in his last 12 2/3 innings of work.

IF Hector Luna enters the game with a 8-game hitting streak. OF-DH Matt Watson has hit in seven straight.

Van Every Powers PawSox Past Red Wings

Jonathan Van Every is really going to miss Rochester.

The PawSox center fielder tied a team record by belting three homers in the PawSox' 10-0 whitewash of the Rochester Red Wings in a game shortened to eight innings due to rain. It's Van Every's fourth homer in the last two games against the Red Wings.

Van Every's three homers accounted for five of Pawtucket's runs. The other runs also came courtesy of the long ball with Jed Lowrie (4 RBI's) tallying two homers while Gil Velazquez added a solo shot.

No Rochester pitcher was spared from giving up a homer. Starter Brian Duensing (4-8) gave up a pair of two-run homers, to Lowrie in the first and Van Every in the fifth. Casey Daigle gave up three homers, solo taters to Velazquez and Van Every and a two run shot by Lowrie, all in the seventh inning. Julio DePaula surrendered Van Every's third blast, a two-run bomb in the eighth.

Lost in all the offensive fireworks was the job on the mound put in by PawSox starting pitcher Davern Hansack (4-8). With his seven innings of scoreless ball Hansack has now not allowed an earned run over his last 23 consecutive innings. He held the Red Wings to only two hits, striking out eight and walking no one. Jose Vaquedano pitched 2/3 of an inning in the eighth before the game was halted by rain.

With the win the PawSox now have a 5 game lead over Scranton in the IL's North Division. Pawtucket heads to Syracuse to open a two game series tomorrow night (7:00pm) with the Chiefs. Clay Buchholz (3-1, 1.87) will throw for Pawtucket against lefty Davis Romero (3-5, 3.48) for the Chiefs.

And in case your wondering, Van Every will be able to celebrate a return to Rochester for two games in late August.

BOX SCORE
MiLB.COM REPORT

PawSox Complete Sweep of Braves, 4-1

Fans of the PawSox have been treated to some quality ball, especially over this last 8-game home stand. Pawtucket won their season-high seventh straight game last night, sweeping the Richmond Braves 4-1 before over 8,000 fans at McCoy.

The PawSox broke up a 1-1 tie by scoring three times in the bottom of the seventh. With one out Jeff Bailey singled to left center off Braves reliever Matt DeSalvo (2-7). After Joe Thurston followed with a walk, Jed Lowrie banged a two-run double to left center. Three batters later Lowrie would score on an RBI single to center by Bryan Pritz.

Other than the late game heroics at the plate, the story of the game was the solid pitching performance, once again, from PawSox starter David Pauley. Pauley improved his record to 10-2, tying him for the league lead in wins. Over seven innings Pauley gave up only four hits. He struck out a season-high nine batters and walked only two.

Pauley gave up the Braves' lone run in the top of the first. Lead-off man Josh Anderson belted the first pitch of the game for a single. He advanced to second when Pauley committed a throwing error on a pick-off attempt at first. Anderson would score three batters later on a Barbaro Canizares ground out. Despite the bad start Pauley was able to retain his composure and pitch scoreless ball the rest of the night.

Red Sox reliever Mike Timlin, on a rehab assignment with Pawtucket, pitched a 1-2-3 eighth. Hunter Jones struck out two in a scoreless ninth, picking-up the save.

Chris Carter and Pritz had two hits apiece for the PawSox. Carl Loadenthal had a pair of hits for the Braves.

After a 7-1 home stand the PawSox play their next five games away from McCoy, beginning with a three game set tonight (7:05 pm) at Rochester. RHP Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.22) will throw for the PawSox against Red Wings RHP Danny Graves (3-2, 5.40).

I will be away from the computer all weekend, so no updates until possibly late Sunday. Enjoy!

BOX SCORE