Kalish, Lavarnway Going Deep

MLB.com/blogs Blocked Unblock Follow Following Jun 7, 2012

By Josh Maurer & Will Flemming

The PawSox have mashed five home runs in their last two games against Indianapolis — Ryan Kalish and Ryan Lavarnway have combined for four of them.

The rehabbing Kalish has gone 4-for-5 over his first two games in Pawtucket with two homers, four runs batted in, four walks, and five runs scored. He reached base in his first eight appearances, four shy of the club’s all-time record (12, Andy Dominique, 2003).

Talking about his homer in his first at-bat Tuesday night, Kalish remarked, “anytime you can hit a home run in your first at-bat…you feel good, you feel comfortable. You feel like you’re in control of what you’re going to do up there.”

Kalish continues his rehab with the PawSox tonight at McCoy Stadium. He played in three games for High-A Salem and Double-A Portland before joining Pawtucket. (Kelly O’Connor)

Meanwhile, Lavarnway is hitting better than he has all season. Since May 22, the PawSox catcher is the top hitter in the International League, batting .415 (17-for-41) with eight extra-base hits, including three homers, and ten RBI.

For the second-time this season, Lavarnway has homered in back-to-back games, with the last time happening April 16 and 17 at Syracuse.

PawSox Notebook:

The PawSox lead the I.L. with 65 home runs in 60 games. They have the third-most homers in all of Triple-A (Oklahoma City, 71; Sacramento, 69).

After batting .214 (15-for-70) over 19 games in April, Che-Hsuan Lin hit .299 (20-for-67) in May where he played 20 games. The speedster from Taiwan saw his 22-game Triple-A on-base streak snapped May 31, and has at least one hit in 21 of his last 28 games.

hit .299 (20-for-67) in May where he played 20 games. The speedster from Taiwan saw his 22-game Triple-A on-base streak snapped May 31, and has at least one hit in 21 of his last 28 games. Remember Yamaico Navarro? The Dominican Republic native was signed by the Red Sox in September of 2005, and appeared in 36 games over two seasons with the Red Sox before being traded to Kansas City (along with minor leaguer Kendal Volz) for shortstop Mike Aviles. During the recent off-season, Navarro was then traded to Pittsburgh for a pair of prospects.

Navarro played in a combined 50 games for the PawSox between 2010–11. He made at least one start in every outfield position, and every infield position besides first base. (Kelly O’Connor)

Short-season Lowell will be represented at Fenway Park tonight. The “Voice of LeLacheur Park,” Mike Riley , will serve as the “Voice of Fenway Park” this evening. Riley also works as a Sports Flash anchor for WEEI, and is a traffic reporter for WRKO. Add to that PA duties for the Spinners, Boston Blazers, and Bentley University.

, will serve as the “Voice of Fenway Park” this evening. Riley also works as a Sports Flash anchor for WEEI, and is a traffic reporter for WRKO. Add to that PA duties for the Spinners, Boston Blazers, and Bentley University. We had a chance to conduct a phone interview today with Red Sox outfielder Daniel Nava. He talked about his second trip to the Big Leagues and even gave a couple of fitness tips. The entire interview can be heard this Saturday at 2:00 on PawSox Insider, aired on 920 WHJJ.

The PawSox and Indians continue their four-game series tonight from McCoy. Righty Brandon Duckworth (5–1, 4.34) will be opposed by right-hander Jeff Karstens (0–2, 4.82). First pitch is set for 7:05, we hit the air at 6:50.

Talk with you then.

-AG

@aaronmgoldsmith

agoldsmith@pawsox.com