in stint at Pawtucket

PAWTUCKET -- Just when he was getting used to wearing a Pawtucket uniform, infielder Ryan Khoury was transferred to Single-A Lowell to make room for lefty Craig Breslow , who was sent down to the PawSox by Boston yesterday.

"It's been awesome," Khoury said earlier this week about playing for the PawSox. "It's still a little bit hectic because I really don't know if I'm coming or going, but I've been lucky enough to stay up here. I'm just trying to learn as much as I can and take advantage of it."

In his brief stint in Pawtucket, Khoury, 22, played in nine games. He struggled at the plate, going 3-for-21 (.143) with two RBI and one run scored.

Pawtucket manager Ron Johnson said earlier this week that he was happy with Khoury's showing.

"He's done a really nice job here," said Johnson. "I've been really pleased. This is a tremendous asset for him as he begins his developmental path. The way this organization is, it's not afraid to take guys to Boston and it's the same thing here. It pays dividends and he's holding his own."

Breslow is considered as one of the top relief pitchers in the International League and that's why Boston has called him up twice this season. He is 5-1 with a 3.00 E.R.A. in 36 relief appearances for Pawtucket. He also has seven saves.

Breslow was thrown into action last night in the top of the fifth inning. He threw two innings and gave up two hits with two strikeouts and no runs.

Breslow was called up to Boston on July 13 and made his Red Sox debut on July 14 versus Oakland (1 2/3 scoreless innings). He has pitched in two games (3 1/3 innings) for Boston and allowed two hits and no runs while recording five strikeouts.

Breslow, 26, has pitched in 16 big-league games in his career (19 2/3 innings) and has allowed six runs for a 1.83 E.R.A. The former Yale standout has 19 strikeouts and 13 walks in the majors.

Pena's on the ball

Newly acquired Carlos Pena continued to provide some needed offense for the PawSox. After driving in two of the PawSox three runs in Pawtucket's 3-2 victory over Scranton/Wilkes Barre on Thursday, Pena went 2-for-4 with an RBI and a double in his first four at-bats last night. "Every time you play baseball I think you should put forth 100 percent," Pena said. "You have to do that to get better. Through all my time playing baseball over the years, I feel that I've gotten better. I feel that I have learned more and have gotten a little more polished and a little more experienced." Back on track The PawSox had lost 10 of their previous 11 games from Aug. 5-15 before sweeping the first place Red-Barons. What makes winning the series more impressive is the fact that the Red Barons had won 24 of their previous 31 games, which included a five-game winning streak, before facing the PawSox.

"To beat a team of this caliber is great," Johnson said. "They are a really good ball club."

Pawtucket is now 23-4 at McCoy Stadium against Scranton/Wilkes Barre over its last 27 games, including a 7-1 record (10-6 overall) this season.

On the road

Pawtucket left for Ottawa after last night's game. The PawSox will play four games there, beginning tonight at 6:05 p.m. They will follow that with a three-game series in Syracuse Wednesday through Friday before returning to McCoy for their final homestand of the season, beginning a week from today.

The PawSox have 16 games remaining.

roblee@projo.com / (401) 277-7340