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.