JUNE 25th LOUISVILLE (29-49) at PAWTUCKET (45-32) 7:05 pm
Louisville Bats RHP Chad Reineke (2-5, 4.20) vs. Pawtucket Red Sox RHP Justin Germano (8-3, 2.40)
Sweepless in Pawtucket – The Pawtucket Red Sox need a victory tonight in the finale of their 4-game series against the Louisville Bats at 7:05 pm at McCoy Stadium to avoid their first 4-game sweep at McCoy in almost seven years. The PawSox have lost the first three games against the Bats by scores of 4-3 (in 13-innings), 7-5, and 2-0 and are in danger of suffering their first 4-game sweep at home since July 2-5 of the 2005 season vs. Charlotte. Last week in Syracuse the PawSox were swept in that 4-game set marking the first time they had been swept in a 4-game series in more than two years (since June 8-11 of 2010 at Indianapolis). After tonight, the PawSox and Bats will meet again in about a month for a 4-game series inLouisville from July 20-23.
Seven on Seven – The PawSox come into tonight losers of a season-high 7 games in a row (their longest losing streak in nearly three years) while the Louisville Bats are winners of a season-high 7 straight games (the first time they have won more than two in a row all season). PawSox pitchers are 0-7 with a 4.68 ERA (34 ER in 65.1 IP) during their 7-game losing streak whileLouisville pitchers are 7-0 with a 2.42 ERA (18 ER in 67 IP). During that same span, the Sox are hitting .235 (59-for-251) with 24 runs scored while the Bats are hitting .302 (77-for-255) with 42 runs scored.
Turn the Beat Around –Pawtucket’s current 7-game losing streak (June 18-24) comes immediately on the heels of a 5-game winning streak (June 12-17). The PawSox slump is their longest losing skid since an 8-game losing streak nearly three years ago from July 8-18 of the 2009 season.
This Series and Homestand - The IL North-leading PawSox (hanging onto a 1-game lead over Lehigh Valley) would lead the last-place IL West Bats by 16½-games if they played in the same division but that has not mattered the past three games at McCoy where the Bats have become the first road team to win the first two games (and now three games) of a series here at McCoy this season. No matter the outcome tonight,Pawtucket has already lost this series which is their first series home loss this season. The PawSox also have their first 3-game McCoy Stadium losing streak of the season. Pawtucket’s 8-game homestand (0-3 thus far) continues with a 4-game series vs. the Charlotte Knights tomorrow through Friday (all games at 7:05 pm).
What Have You Done for Me Lately –Pawtucket has lost 7 in a row but they have still won 11 of their last 21. They have won 15 of their last 25 home games dating back to May 9. Pawtucket is 29-19 overall since May 4.
Second Best – The PawSox had the best record in the entire International League from May 9 – June 21 but on Friday nightIndianapolis (now 46-30) overtook the PawSox (now 45-32) for the best mark in the league.
Stay at Home – Beginning this past Friday night, Pawtucket is playing 12 of their final 18 games before the All-Star break here at McCoy Stadium (June 22 through July 8). After tonight, Pawtucket hosts the Charlotte Knights through Friday. The PawSox go to Lehigh Valley this weekend for games on Saturday at 6:35 pm and then a make-up day/night doubleheader on Sunday with games at 12:05 pm (from a June 4th rainout) followed by the regularly-scheduled game later that evening at 6:35 pm. Pawtucket is right back at McCoy for a 2-game set vs. Rochester next Monday, July 2 and July 3 (both at 6:15 pm with fireworks to follow each game) before heading to Rochester for 3-games (July 4-6) and then returning home for a 2-game weekend set with Syracuse on July 7 & 8 leading to the All-Star break (July 9-11).
North Bound –Pawtucket has the best record within their division of any team in the International League. The PawSox are 22-12 vs. their IL North rivals. The PawSox are playing 26 of 34 games vs. IL North rivals from June 14 – July 19…the only exception in this stretch occurs during this homestand (four games each vs.Louisville of the West andCharlotte of the South).
