Steven Wright came out of the bullpen for Triple-A Pawtucket to make his second appearance of the season on Wednesday. The knuckleballer pitched three shutout innings in the PawSox 10-8 loss to the Louisville Bats (Reds). Wright gave up two hits, struck out one and did not walk anyone.
Tyler Thornburg followed Wright out of the bullpen and logged 1 2/3 innings. He walked three but did not give up a hit. The one earned run he gave up scored with two outs in the seventh, after Thornburg had already been pulled. He also struck out two.
Houck hot again
Red Sox 2017 first-round draft pick Tanner Houck has now logged a quality start in four consecutive outings following his performance in Double-A Portland’s 6-1 win over the Altoona Curve (Pirates) on Wednesday. Houck gave up one run on six hits. He didn’t walk anyone and K’d six.
During his stretch of quality starts, Houck has a 2.25 ERA, bringing his season ERA to 3.98. In his 25 innings of work over these four games, the right-hander has 31 strikeouts and four walks.
Adam Lau made his return to the Sea Dogs bullpen on Wednesday after a tough stretch with the PawSox (5.70 ERA and 2.04 WHIP in five games over 9 1/3 innings.) He scattered three hits over his two scoreless innings of work.