Game 6- Iron Pigs Vs. PawSox, April 8, 2008

Game two of this four game set between the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs and the PawSox takes place this afternoon at 12:05pm. I know many of you will have your attention diverted to the Red Sox home opener, but there is work to be done here.

I am at the game today and will provide updates throughout the contest. Here are some pre-game notes...

Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs (0-5)

Today's pitcher, LHP J.A. Happ (0-1, 6.75 ERA), is one of the pitching prospects that the Phillies have their eye on down road. A member of the Phillies' 40 man roster, Happ pitched 4 innings in the Iron Pigs' season opener. he gave up 3 runs (all earned) on five hits against the Scarnton Wilkes/Barre Yankees. He made one start for the Phillies late last season, a losing effort. In Triple A Ottawa in 2007, Happ was 4-6 with a 5.02 ERA.

Offensively OF Brandon Watson has hit safely is all five Lehigh Valley starts and enters the game at .381.

Pawtucket Red Sox (3-2)

Tha PawSox will go with RHP Chris Smith, promoted from Portland after last night's game. He will fill the spot of Bartolo Colon, who was placed on the seven day disabled list with a strain to his right oblique.

Smith spent the last two seasons primarily in Portland but also saw action in Pawtucket. So he is no stranger to the PawSox staff.

"I expect him to throw strikes, change speeds." said Manager Ron Johnson, "He's a veteran guy. This is an opportunity for him."

Smith is your basic fastball, curveball, change-up pitcher. He made seven appearances for Pawtucket in 2006 (6 starts) and compiled a 1-1 record with a 3.21 ERA. Last year Smith made two appearances, both in relief with no decisions and a 1.80 ERA. Over the past two seasons in Portland Smith was a combined 15-15 with an ERA of 4.23.

OF Chris Carter continues to impress, batting .444 over the first five games, getting at least one hit in each. He currently is tied for 6th in hitting in the IL.

We'll check in throughout the game with updates and, of course, have a complete wrap at game's end.