Indians vs. PawSox- July 16, 2009 Game Preview

The All-Star break is over and it’s time to begin the unofficial second half of the season for the PawSox.  They do so by opening a four game series tonight with the Indianapolis Indians.

Ian Snell (1-1, 0.45 ERA) starts for the Indians.  He’ll be opposed by lefty Kris Johnson (3-9, 6.14 ERA) for the PawSox.

The PawSox enter the game losers of five in a row and 8 of their last 9.  At 43-44 they are below .500 for the first time this season.

Here are the line-ups…

INDIANPOLIS (41-49, 3rd in IL West)

Brian Bixler SS
Lastings Milledge LF
Robinson Diaz C
Steve Pearce 1B
Neil Walker 3B
Tagg Bozied RF
Hector Giminez DH
Shelby Ford 2B
Chris Barnwell CF

PAWTUCKET (43-44, 4th in IL North)

Freddy Guzman CF
Jed Lowrie SS
Paul McAnulty LF
Chris Carter DH
Dusty Brown C
Bubba Bell RF
Jeff Natale 1B
Travis Denker 2B
Angel Chavez 3B

Johnson is looking to turn his fortunes around after going 0-3 over his last three starts.  His last victory came June 21st at Durham.

Jed Lowrie is back with the PawSox after spending the last two nights playing at Lowell.  Red Sox officials say Lowrie may be activated off the disabled list as early as Saturday.  Lowrie says his timing is getting better every day and will await a determination from the Sox on when he will return.

I am at McCoy and will provide updates throughout the night.  The game will also be telecast on NESN beginning at 7:00pm.