•HIGHLIGHTS: PawSox starter David Pauley improved to 10-2 as the right-hander led Pawtucket to its seventh straight victory. Pauley is 8-0 in his last 10 starts. He worked seven solid innings and allowed one unearned run on four hits with two walks and nine strikeouts. The run he surrendered came in the first inning, and then he held the Braves at bay.

“Everything was good,” Pauley said. “I got into a little bit of trouble in the first inning, but got out of it with minimal damage. The guys made the plays behind me and I made the pitches when I needed.”

Mainly a sinkerball pitcher, Pauley mixed in an effective changeup to record a season high in strikeouts. The PawSox’ Jed Lowrie drove in two runs and Bryan Pritz pushed across another.

Reliever Mike Timlin began his rehab stint with the PawSox last night and worked a perfect eighth inning. He threw 10 pitches, seven for strikes. He will work again for Pawtucket tomorrow at Rochester.

•KEY OF THE GAME: The game was tied, 1-1, in the seventh inning when Lowrie hit a two-run double to give Pawtucket 3-1 lead. The PawSox then loaded the bases with one out, and Pritz added some insurance.

They said it: “Tito says in spring training that we’re looking for guys who are reliable,” said PawSox manager Ron Johnson. “David Pauley is very reliable right now.”

•PROSPECT TO WATCH: The PawSox’ Chris Carter is back on an offensive role. Prior to Wednesday’s game against Richmond, he was in the midst of a 2-for-14 slump. In the last two games he has gone 5-for-6, including a double and a single last night.

•NOTES: Pitcher Kyle Snyder (groin) is in Florida, and will throw a simulated game at extended spring training today. He’ll gradually work his way back and could make a rehab appearance for Class-A Lowell soon . . . The PawSox have won seven straight games, including 11 of their last 12 and 13 of 15. Pawtucket closed out a 7-1 homestand.

•UP NEXT: The PawSox travel to Rochester today. Pawtucket’s Edgar Martinez (2-1, 4.22) will face the Red Wings’ Danny Graves (3-2, 5.40).

jmcdonal@projo.com