Welcome to Syracuse
It’s a beautiful 82 degree afternoon from Syracuse, New York where tonight the PawSox open up a four-game series with the Chiefs (Washington Nationals).
Yesterday afternoon the PawSox gave up a 9-3 lead and suffered a shocking 10-9 loss in extra innings to the Buffalo Bisons to split the series 1-1. We had about a three hour bus ride from Buffalo to Syracuse and to my surprise, I’m pretty sure I heard someone yell a request from the back of the bus before we left to watch Scooby Doo during our brief trip. He was quickly vetoed, and instead we were able to watch ESPN Sunday Night Baseball on the bus’ satellite TV.
Scooby Doo and company couldn't compete with ESPN. Sorry, Scooby.
PawSox Notebook
- I’m looking forward to watching Ross Ohlendorf make his second start of the year for the PawSox. Today the right-hander was named International League Pitcher of the Week for the period of April 9-15. Ohlendorf fired six scoreless innings in his previous start on April 10 vs. Lehigh Valley and faced just one batter over the minimum.
- Thanks to his two hits and two RBIs yesterday, Will Middlebrooks is tied for an I.L.-leading 11 RBIs this year and is currently riding a team-best seven-game hitting streak.
- Over the first 10 games of the year, the Pawtucket bullpen allowed five total earned runs over the span of 30 1/3 innings. Yesterday in Buffalo they allowed seven earned runs in 5 2/3 innings.
- In this four-game series in Syracuse, the PawSox will face arguably the No. 1 prospect in all of baseball: Bryce Harper. The former catcher turned outfielder is hitting .220 with 0-HR and 1-RBI in the first 10 games of his Triple-A career.
- Chatting with PawSox catcher Ryan Lavarnway at a rest stop last night on our way to Syracuse, I learned that both his sister and his girlfriend are outstanding pastry chefs. His girlfriend, Jamie, has a website called CookingInRedSocks.com that is well worth a look. I have a feeling this discovery will require a blog of its own at some point soon.
Lavarnway somehow lost 20 pounds over the off-season despite being surrounded by great food. (Kelly O'Connor)
First pitch tonight from Alliance Bank Stadium is set for 6:00. Our pre-game coverage begins at 5:45.
Talk with you then,
-AG
@aaronmgoldsmith
agoldsmith@pawsox.com
