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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

Game 82- Braves vs. PawSox, June 26, 2008

There's not much to complain about when it comes to the play of the PawSox. They look for the four game sweep tonight (7:05 pm) as they host the Richmond Braves at McCoy. LHP Chuck James (3-2, 1.88) goes for Richmond, opposed by RHP David Pauley (9-2, 3.78) for the PawSox.

I am once again away from the stadium for tonight's game. Here is a brief preview...

Richmond Braves (38-42)

The Braves have been dominated by the PawSox the last few nights and are looking for a little consistency in trying to salvage the final game of the series.

James makes his eighth start of the season, He won his last two starts, giving up a total of four runs in 12 innings of work.

Pawtucket Red Sox (50-31)

The PawSox look to complete the 8-game home stand at 7-1 if they can get the win tonight. They are winners of six straight and hold not only the best record on the International League, but the best mark in all of Triple A baseball.

Pauley, arguably one of the aces of the PawSox staff, makes his 15th start. He won his last outing, pitching seven innings and giving up two runs against Columbus

Game 81- Braves vs. PawSox, June 25, 2008

It's game three of a four game set tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy as the PawSox once again host the Richmond Braves. RHP Jerome Gamble (0-1, 4.50) will start for Richmond, while RHP Clay Buchholz (2-1, 2.00) throws for the PawSox.

I have returned to the McCoy Stadium press box for tonight's game. So...here is an in-depth preview...

Richmond Braves (38-41)

LINE-UP

Josh Anderson CF
Carl Loadenthal LF
Jason Perry RF
Barbaro Canizares 1B
Diory Hernandez SS
Mark Jurich DH
Enrique Cruz 3B
Clint Simmons C
Derrick Arnold 2B

Gamble makes his third start for the Braves. He suffered the lost his last time out at Syracuse, giving up two runs on four hits over six innings of work. He has spent a majority of the season at Double A Mississippi where he complied a 1-5 record with a 4.83 ERA.

As a team the Braves are tenth in hitting (.256) and tenth in ERA (4.21)

Barbaro Canizares leads the Braves in hitting (based on at least 200 AB) at .309. Scott Thorman leads the team in homers (12) and RBIs (41)

Pawtucket Red Sox (49-31)

LINE-UP

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

The PawSox enter the game the hottest team in the International League...having won five straight and 9 out of 10. They are 5-1 on their current 8-game home stand. They continue to have the best overall record in the league and the best at home (29-14).

Buchholz will make his seventh start of the season tonight. He has been spectacular in winning his last two starts, pitching 11 scoreless innings yielding a total of 7 hits. Last week against Columbus Buchholz gave up only one hit, striking out 6 and walking no one. Over his last four starts he has given up only two earned runs in 19 innings pitched.

PawSox Manager Ron Johnson said it was a welcomed site the last two nights that the team had received strong pitching performances from starters Charlie Zink and Davern Hansack, who pitched 8 1/3 and 8 innings respectively.

"It's a good problem to have" said Johnson, "It gives our bullpen some days off."

Johnson also gave the media an update from the medical front. Kyle Snyder, sidelined since June 3rd with a right groin strain, threw a 35 pitch side session with pitching coach Rich Sauveur. All reports are that the session went extremely well.

Equally well was the first batting practice session by OF Bobby Kielty. Out since June 9th with a left oblique strain, Johnson said Kietly looked good and feels great. Both Snyder and Kielty will be re-evaluated by the PawSox training and Red Sox rehab staff before determining the next move on the road to their return.

Offensively the PawSox are atop the league in hitting (.270). They lead the league in runs scored and are second in both homers (104) and RBI's (299)

Ginter enters tonight's game with a five-game hitting streak. He is hitting .333 over that stretch with five doubles and 1 RBI.

George Kottaras has hit safely in 8 of his last 10 games, batting an even .300 with 3 homers and 9 RBI's.

On a side note, Johnson will be managing on the field but also rooting for his alma mater, Fresno State, to take home the title tonight in game three of the College World Series Finals.

Check back for updates every two innings or so and a complete wrap at games' end.

Game 80- Braves vs. PawSox, June 24, 2008

The PawSox look to make it five in a row as they face the Richmond Braves again tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy in game two of a four game series. The pitching match-up; LHP Jonathan Rouwenhorst (6-6, 5.50) for Richmond and RHP Devern Hansack (2-8, 5.40) for Pawtucket.

Circumstances again are keeping me at the home base. So, weather permitting, here is a brief look at the game...

Richmond Braves (38-40)

The Braves, losers of last night's extra inning affair, have lost two straight and six of their last ten.

Rouwenhorst makes his 14th start of the season. Last time out he took the loss in a 6-1 contest against the Syracuse Chiefs. He lasted only three innings, giving up three runs on three hits. He did have command issues, walking six and striking out no one.

Pawtucket Red Sox (48-31)

The PawSox, meanwhile, are winners of four in a row, 8 of their last 9, and 10 of their last 12. They remain 1 game up on Scranton for the lead in the IL North Division.

Hansack received a no decision in his last start, a 4-3 loss last Thursday to the Columbus Clippers. Hansack was effective, pitching six scoreless innings and yielding only four hits.

Jeff Bailey looks to continue on his tear at the plate. He has hit safely in 8 of his last 9 games, going .427 over that stretch, with 4 doubles, 4 homers, and 9 RBI's

Game 79- Braves vs. PawSox, June 23, 2008

The first place Pawtucket Red Sox open up a four game set against the Richmond Braves tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy. It's the first meeting between the clubs this season. RHP Brian Lawrence (0-1, 8.10) will start for the Braves, opposed by RHP Charlie Zink (8-2, 2.14) for the PawSox.

I am once again unable to be at the park tonight. Here is a preview nonetheless...

Richmond Braves (38-39)

At one game below .500 the Braves are in second place in the IL South Division, 3 1/2 games behind the Durham Bulls.

Lawrence makes his third start of the season tonight. His lone decision came last week in a loss to the Charlotte Knights. He pitched 3 2/3 innings giving up 6 earned runs on 11 hits.

Pawtucket Red Sox (47-31)

The PawSox enter tonight's contest winners of 7 of their last 8 and 8 out of 10.

Zink looks to continue with his impressive 2008 season. He is coming off a win in his start last Tuesday at Lehigh Valley. In that contest he threw 7 innings, giving up only one earned run on four hits. He has not lost a game since May 5th against Durham.

PawSox players continue to get accolades off the field. OF Jonathan Van Every has been named IL Batter of the Week. He hit .318 with four homers and 8 RBI's over his last six games. Van Every's accomplishment comes one week after Joe Thurston was named IL Batter of the Week last week.

Game 78- Clippers vs. PawSox, June 22, 2008

I'm back following a restful week in Mickeyland. My week away was an eventful one for the PawSox...a 6-1 record and a spot alone atop the IL North with the league's best record. I should take a break more often! (By the way, I will also be away from my computer next Friday-Sunday).

Pawtucket looks to take three of four from the Columbus Clippers with a win today (1:05 pm) in the series finale at McCoy. RHP Shairon Martis (NR) pitches for Columbus while RHP Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.34) goes for the PawSox.

Even though I am back in town, my priorities will keep me away from the stadium for a few days...so we will be restricted to reports from the home base. Here is a brief preview of today's game..

Columbus Clippers (41-33)

Two straight losses to the PawSox have put the Clippers two games out of first in the IL West behind division-leading Toledo.

Martis makes his 2008 Triple A debut this afternoon. He was promoted from Double A Harrisburg where he complied a record of 4-4 with an ERA of 3.98 over 14 starts.

Pawtucket Red Sox (46-31)

The PawSox enter the game winners of 6 of their last seven and 8 of 10. Pawtucket is at 15 games above .500 for the first time since the end of the 2003 season.

This will be Martinez' first start since June 11th. In that game he pitched well, allowing only one earned run in 4 2/3 innings. He did not get the decision in the PawSox' 11-3 win over Louisville.

It's easy to see why the PawSox are atop the division and the league when you look at their balance. Offensively the PawSox are second in the IL in batting (.269). They lead the league in runs scored (404) and are second in homers (99) and walks (289).

On the mound Pawtucket is third in the league in team ERA at 3.70.

The PawSox defense has been stellar, as they own the best fielding percentage (.983) in the International League.

Game 68- Bats vs. PawSox, June 11, 2008

The PawSox have not lost four in a row all season, and will look to avoid that distinction as they take on the Louisville Bats tonight (7:05 pm) at McCoy in game two of their four game series. RHP Ramon Ramirez (2-0, 6.06) pitches for Louisville opposed by RHP Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.61) for the PawSox.

I have returned to my perch in the McCoy press box. Here is our view of tonight's game...

Louisville Bats (39-27)

LINE-UP

Michael Griffin RF
Andy Green 2B
Drew T. Anderson LF
Ryan Hanigan DH
Kevin Barker 1B
Jerry Gil CF
Adam Rosales SS
Alvin Colina C
Luis Bolivar 3B

With last night's 8-7 win the Bats now find themselves alone atop the IL west Division, one game ahead of Toledo. The Bats have had great success against the members of the IL North, posting a 15-6 record thus far this season.

Ramirez makes his third start of the season tonight. He has been with the club since May 24th. In his last outing he received a no decision in the Bats' 13-12 loss to Toledo. Ramirez threw four innings, giving up seven earned runs on seven hits. He has been floating around the Reds' organization since 2003.

Roster moves today for the Bats...LHP Camillo Vazquez has been called up from Single-A Sarasota. He was 3-2 with a 4.75 ERA with the Sarasota Reds.

Anderson, who knocked in the winning run last night, is currently on an 8-game hitting streak, over which he is hitting .455. Rosales comes in hitting in six straight, batting an even .500

Pawtucket Red Sox (38-29)

LINE-UP

Jeff Bailey 1B
Joe Thurston RF
Jed Lowrie SS
Chris Carter LF
George Kottaras DH
Keith Ginter 3B
Dusty Brown C
Gil Velazquez 2B
Jonathan Van Every CF

Despite the three game losing streak the PawSox still find themselves firmly in third place in the IL North Division, still two games behind Scranton/Wilkes Barre. By winning tonight Pawtucket will avoid its first four game home losing streak since April of 2007.

Martinez has been asked to do a lot for Manager Ron Johnson this season and tonight he will make his second straight start and third of the season. He pitched extremely well in his last outing, throwing five innings, giving up to runs on four hits in a victory at Charlotte. Johnson is hopeful Martinez can duplicate that effort tonight..

"He picked us up last time in a spot start" said Johnson, "If we can get 4 or 5 innings out of him I’ll be really pleased. He's done a nice job in that role…and it’s a real good opportunity for him."

A trio of PawSox hope to keep their hot streaks alive. Jed Lowrie enters the game with a 12 game hitting streak, going .383 over that stretch with four doubles, a triple, a homer, and 8 RBI's. Chris Carter has a five game streak, hitting .364 with two doubles, three homers, and 8 RBI's. Joe Thurston has hit in five of six games, with .444 batting average, along with a double, two homers, and five RBI's

Check in often as we will be providing updates throughout the game.

Game 67- Bats vs. PawSox, June 10, 2008

The PawSox look to snap their two-game loosing skid tonight (7:05 pm) as they welcome the Louisville Bats to McCoy for the first of four games. This is the only appearance of the Bats in Pawtucket this season. Looks like a good pitching match-up as LHP Adam Pettyjohn (7-1, 4.44) hurls for Louisville against RHP David Pauley (8-2, 3.86) for the PawSox.

My real life responsibilities are again keeping me away from the stadium...But here is a brief preview...

Louisville Bats (38-27)

The Bats enter the game in a tie for first in the IL West with the Toledo Mud Hens. The Bats earned a share of the top spot by winning six of their last ten games.

Pettyjohn is looking for his fourth consecutive win when he takes the mound tonight for his 13th start of the season. In all 12 previous starts this year he has not failed to pitch at least five innings each time out. One of his seven wins came against the PawSox back on April 11th when he pitched 5 1/3 innings giving up 5 runs on six hits in the Bats' 8-5 victory. He has received great run support from the Louisville offense as of late, averaging 7.2 runs a game over Pettyjohn's last six starts.

The Bats have had some of the minor's biggest names play for them this season but most of those players have since been promoted to the Reds. Starter Homer Bailey and OF Jay Bruce both began the season in Louisville and have since joined the big league club. Two moves were made by the Reds today, calling up IF Jolbert Cabrera and LHP Danny Herrera.

Pawtucket Red Sox (38-28)

The PawSox are still well within sight of the IL North lead, trailing the Scranton/Wilkes Barre Yankees by two games for first and the Syracuse Chiefs by only 1/2 game for second.

Pauley is looking for his seventh consecutive win tonight. Over his last six starts he is 6-0 with a 4.24 ERA. His last loss came May 3rd against Syracuse.

Chris Carter remains on a tear, belting a home run in each of the last three games. Jed Lowrie brings an 11-game hitting streak into tonight's contest.

One roster move for the PawSox we forgot to mention yesterday. Bobby Kielty was placed back on to the 7-day disabled list with a left oblique strain He suffered the injury in Sunday's game against the Buffalo Bisons. Bryan Pitz was reinstated from the DL to fill Kielty's roster spot.

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!

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.

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

Game 63- PawSox vs. Knights, June 6, 2008

The PawSox look to earn a split of their series with the Charlotte Knights and earn a split of their 8-game road trip if they can win tonight (7:15 pm) in Rock Hill, SC. RHP Charlie Zink (6-2, 2.60) starts for Pawtucket against RHP Jack Egbert (1-4, 6.39) for the Knight's

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Pawtucket Red Sox (36-26)

The PawSox snapped their three game losing streak with an impressive 8-3 win over the Knights last night. Jonathan Van Every and Bobby Kielty each belted a three run homer in the win. David Pauley got his 8th win of the season, pitching six innings, giving up three earned runs.

Zink will make his 13th start of the year. He has had an extremely successful season, going 6-1 with a 2.01 ERA over his last 11 starts. He has not given up more than four earned runs in any f his starts this season. He only pitched three innings last week against Durham, removed after two lengthy rain delays.

One off-field move today as the Red Sox have recalled Brandon Moss and have optioned Chris Carter back to Pawtucket.

Charlotte Knights (23-37)

The Knights took the first two games of the series and look to capture their third game tonight.

Egbert makes his eighth start of the season tonight. He has been Jekyll and Hyde his last two outings. On May 27th he gave up 9 runs on 10 hits over 4 2/3 innings in a loss to Rochester. on June 1st he got the win over Richmond, pitching seven innings, surrendering only one run on three hits.

Game 62- PawSox vs Knights, June 5, 2008

The PawSox are looking to right the ship tonight as they play game three of a four game series against the Charlotte Knights. RHP David Pauley (7-2, 3.78) will take the mound for Pawtucket. opposed by RHP Lance Broadway (5-3, 2.95) for the Knights.

Here are how the teams match-up...

Pawtucket Red Sox (35-26)

The PawSox have lost three straight and are currently 2-4 on this Carolina road trip. They have not lost four straight since August of last season. Pawtucket is still sitting in third place in the IL North Division, two games behind division leader Scranton/Wilkes Barre.

The PawSox offense has scored only a total of five runs during their three game skid. During that time the PawSox fell to third in the International League in team batting average (.269). Jed Lowrie has been hot at the plate, entering tonight's game with a 6 game hitting streak over which he has hit .458 with two doubles, a triple, and 3 RBI's.

Pauley makes his 12th start of the season tonight. He was victorious in his last outing, despite giving up seven runs on 11 hits in the PawSox 14-7 win at Durham last Saturday.

Charlotte Knights (23-36)

The Knights enter the game having taken the first two games of the series with the PawSox. They remain in third place in the IL South Division, 8 games behind division leader Richmond.

Broadway will be making his 12th start of the season. He has been shaky over his last four outings, going 0-2 with an ERA of 6.61. He has given up 40 hits in that span, walking five and striking out 12.

Game 61- PawSox vs. Knights, June 4, 2008

The PawSox are looking to avoid their third straight loss on the road when they play game two of a four game series with the Charlotte Knights tonight (7:15 pm) in Rock Hill, SC. Clay Buchholz (0-0, 4.50 ERA) starts for Pawtucket against Charlie Haeger (3-4, 4.89 ERA) for the Knights.

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

Pawtucket Red Sox (35-25)

The PawSox have lost two in a row and are now 2-3 so far on this eight came Carolina road swing. They lost the opener to the Knights 9-3 last night. Fortunately both Scranton/Wilkes Barre and Syracuse lost last night so Pawtucket did not lose any ground behind their IL North Division foes.

Buchholz will make his third start of the season, the first since officially being optioned back to the club by Boston last week end. Over his first two starts he has had mixed success commanding the strike zone, allowing five hits while walking six and striking out eight in eight innings of work.

Charlotte Knights (22-36)

The Knights won last night's game playing long ball and small ball. They hit three solo homers off PawSox starter Davern Hansack and relied on singles and wild pitches in their six-run seventh inning which broke the game open.

Haeger makes his 12th start of 2008. He has had three straight quality starts, pitching at least seven innings each time out. He is 1-0 over those outings with an ERA of 2.41.

Game 60- PawSox vs. Knights, June 3, 2008

The PawSox continue on their Carolina swing with the first of four games tonight (7:15pm) against the Charlotte Knights. The PawSox will send RHP Devern Hansack (2-6, 5.62) to the mound against former PawSox pitcher