“I was definitely pumped up,” says Boston hurler Craig Hansen. He pitched 1 2/3 hitless innings Friday night against Baltimore.

The Providence Journal / Bob Breidenbach

BALTIMORE — The Red Sox have believed in Craig Hansen’s ability ever since they selected him with their first pick (26th overall) in the 2005 draft. So much so that they rushed him to the big leagues in his first pro season, and management admits now that was a mistake.

After much-needed minor-league development — on and off the field — it appears the hard-throwing right-hander has finally arrived.

That was never more clear than Friday night when he was in complete control of the game during his 1 2/3 scoreless and hitless innings of work against the Orioles. He was mixing in his nasty slider with a devastating fastball.

The best pitch of the night was his 97-mph fastball, which he used to strike out the Orioles’ Ramon Hernandez with two runners on in the bottom of the 10th inning. It was a crucial play, one that probably was just the confidence boost he has been looking for.

“I was just in the moment at the time,” said Hansen. “I’m still getting a feel for everything, and as far as my routine, I just need to stay solid.”

Red Sox pitching coach John Farrell spent a few minutes yesterday afternoon describing how the 24-year-old has changed in the last year.

“He’s knows himself better as a pitcher after a full year at Triple A,” said Farrell.

It’s true. Hansen was on the outside looking in during the 2007 season. While other minor-league pitchers were getting a chance to help the eventual World Series champions, Hansen spent all season with the PawSox. He posted a 3-1 record with a 3.86 ERA in 40 appearances (51 1/3 innings). He recorded 48 strikeouts and walked 32.

Just as important as the statistics is the fact that he finally understood when his delivery is most effective, and he had the ability to repeat it. As a result he was able to make adjustments in the game more readily, according to Farrell.

His confidence has caught up with his tools.

Friday night, “probably of all his outings, it was probably the most impactful,” said Farrell. “He’s had other games where he’s been dominate, but we were in a sudden-death situation and knowing you have to execute pitches with men in scoring position.”

Hansen was recalled from Pawtucket on May 5, and entering last night’s game, he had a 1-2 record with a 6.17 ERA. He has allowed three runs on five hits in 4 1/3 innings in his last three outings for a 6.30 ERA.

Don’t let those numbers fool you, because the Red Sox feel like those numbers don’t tell the entire story on Hansen.

“He’s had outings where he’s gone an inning or an inning and 2/3 where he’s been very good, and for whatever reason the guy coming in behind him has allowed a run to make the line score seem a little skewed,” said Farrell.

Hansen has gradually improved, especially with his consistency during back-to-back outings.

“He’s starting to realize his importance and knows that when he becomes dependable … there’s no denying his stuff. He’s got as good of stuff as anyone in the American League. If he can execute consistently, he’s going to be a very valued pitcher in our bullpen.”

It was a season ago when fellow pitching prospect Manny Delcarmen made the full-time jump from Pawtucket to Boston and was an integral part of the Sox’ bullpen. Now that he’s seeing Hansen doing the same thing this season, Delcarmen is happy for his friend.

“He didn’t get called up last year and he was a little disappointed he couldn’t come up and help us out,” said Delcarmen. “But he did exactly what they wanted him to do; he went down to Pawtucket and was absolutely lights out. We all saw what he could do [Friday] night.”

Delcarmen was so impressed with his buddy’s performance that after Friday’s game the two watched the game film because, according to Delcarmen, one of the sliders Hansen threw was simply off the charts.

“I’m happy for him,” Delcarmen said. “He’s really confident and hopefully [manager Terry Francona] will continue to give him the ball.”

The pair of relievers have helped each other out during their trials and tribulations, and they are now pushing each other through success.

“A lot,” said Delcarmen. “Especially since we were both in the same situation last year, and it’s good to have him up here because we push each other to do well. We both want the ball in those key situations. We just try to keep each other positive and it’s going to be good for us this year.”

jmcdonal@projo.com