Hansack

PAWTUCKET — Devern Hansack became a national hero in his native Nicaragua when he pitched a five-inning no-hitter in a rain-shortened game for the Boston Red Sox in their season finale last October.

It was his second major-league start after the Red Sox recalled him from Double-A Portland. He earned his first big-league victory that day as Boston posted a 9-0 victory over the Baltimore Orioles.

Late yesterday afternoon, after the game between the Pawtucket Red Sox and Rochester Red Wings was postponed due to inclement weather, Hansack and PawSox pitching coach Mike Griffin were playing long toss in the pouring rain.

Hansack, a 29-year-old right-hander, will make his third start for Pawtucket tonight.

Before he signed with the Red Sox organization as a minor-league free agent in December 2005, Hansack worked as a lobsterman in Nicaragua for two years after spending four years in the Houston Astros organization.

During his hiatus from pro ball, he played for his country’s national team and played in the IBAF World Cup in Holland in 2005. It was there where Red Sox vice president of professional and international scouting Craig Shipley met the crafty right-hander and Hansack’s career changed.

Most other scouts around Major League Baseball first thought Hansack was just another minor-league pitcher. The Sox felt differently and Hansack has delivered. After his impressive stint in Boston last season, he’s 1-0 in two starts for Pawtucket, while posting a 0.84 ERA. In those two games he has struck out 20 batters in 10 2/3 innings. “I feel good,” he said. “I’m just trying to hang in there and do the things I know I can do. It’s not an easy game. You just need to try to hang in there.”

He was more impressive during spring training, but due to the numbers game he was assigned to Triple A. His brief experience in Boston made him realize a few things. First, he can handle major-league hitters. Secondly, he feels blessed the Red Sox have given him another opportunity.

“It was a big experience going there and facing good hitters,” he said. “I feel like I was at the point where I could face any hitter. I wasn’t sacred of no one and I worked hard.”

He didn’t play winter ball during the offseason, but he continued his training to prepare for this season. When he was one of the last cuts made at big-league camp, you would think he would have been disappointed. But that wasn’t the case and he’s proven that with the way he’s pitched for Pawtucket.

“Not at all,” he said of being upset because he was sent to the minors. “I was just happy to be there. There weren’t any [open] spots. I wanted to make the team, but there was no chance. I’m here right now.”

When Hansack toes the rubber, he resembles former PawSox and Red Sox pitcher Dennis “Oil Can” Boyd. Hansack has the same build, the same pitching delivery and the same mound presence.

“I see that a little bit,” said Griffin. “There is a resemblance with the delivery style. With Oil Can and Hansack — they both have that aura of confidence on the mound, and that’s been very impressive. [Hansack] was born with that delivery and it’s perfect for him. He’s comfortable with it and it works for him. That delivery is not for everybody.”

To be successful in the big leagues, a pitcher has to consistently repeat his delivery whether he’s throwing one of his fastballs, sliders or changeups.

“He’s been using all three very well,” said Griffin.

jmcdonal@projo.com