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.