PAWTUCKET — Jed Lowrie made a huge impact for the Boston Red Sox during his 17-game stint in the majors, which ended on Sunday when the team optioned him to Pawtucket.

It didn’t take long for the rookie shortstop to continue his hot streak with the PawSox.

The 24-year-old infielder crushed a two-run homer in his second at-bat during a five-run second inning for Pawtucket last night against the Norfolk Tides at McCoy Stadium.

Lowrie was promoted from Pawtucket on April 10 to replace the injured Mike Lowell, and the rookie was able to stick around for a while because of injuries to Alex Cora and Sean Casey. During that stretch, Lowrie compiled a .310 batting average, with a homer and seven RBI, while playing second base, shortstop and third base for the Sox.

“I didn’t want the day to come that I would have to come back,” he said. “I knew it was going to happen. Boston is paying those guys a lot of money and they’re great players. In this organization as a young player you just have to take advantage of your chances when you get them.”

What made his time in Boston even more memorable was the fact that his success was growing as the club’s shortstop, Julio Lugo, was struggling defensively. Red Sox management already felt Lowrie could be an everyday shortstop in the majors, and now it knows that’s the case.

Red Sox manager Terry Francona was impressed with Lowrie during spring training, and management was able to get a good look at him in Florida because Lugo was injured for most of the spring (back injury).

The thing that’s impressive about Lowrie’s makeup is the fact that he handles himself like a 10-year veteran on and off the field, and having that type of mentality fits in nicely in Boston.

When Francona informed Lowrie that he was being sent back to Pawtucket last weekend, the manager told the rookie he did a good job.

“He said they gained a lot of confidence and trust in me,” said Lowrie. “He told me to come down here and get my work in and have a good attitude about it.”

He looked very comfortable during his major-league debut.

“The nerves start before the game, and I do get nervous before every game,” he said. “It doesn’t matter where I am, and once the game starts it’s just another game . . . It was good for me to go up there and see what it’s all about. The fact that I did well when I was up there was the icing on the cake. It was a great experience, and hopefully I can continue to build on that here and get back there.”

PawSox manager Ron Johnson has always been a big fan of Lowrie, and Sunday night was just another example of why. Lowrie was at the airport in Minnesota heading back to Rhode Island when he called Johnson to find out what the schedule for yesterday was. Lowrie arrived at McCoy Stadium at 3:30 in the afternoon, quickly got dressed and jumped into the batting cage.

“He went up and did exactly what, and more, anybody had hoped for in the big leagues,” said Johnson. “It was a great opportunity for him, and a great first look. He must feel very proud of himself, and I know the organization is excited.”

Because of his success and professionalism, it probably won’t be long before Lowrie is back in Boston. Until then, he’ll continue to hone his skills with the PawSox.

“All I can do is show up and be who I am and play the game I know,” he said. “Whether I’m here or there, that’s not up to me.”

jmcdonal@projo.com