THE HIGHLIGHTS: The PawSox held the IronPigs hitless for the first four innings for the second straight night. Charlie Zink (8-2) retired the first 12 batters and allowed just one run on four hits in seven innings while helping the PawSox move into a tie for the top spot in the North Division and the International League. “It’s only halfway through the season,” Jonathan Van Every said. “We just have to keep it going.” The PawSox (44-30) are a season-high 14 games over .500.

DOMINANCE CONTINUES: The PawSox have won their eight games against the IronPigs this season. They swept the four-game set by a margin of 22-10 and have outscored Lehigh Valley, 42-16, this season. Van Every has led the way. He hit three homers in the series and four in the eight games.

KEY TO THE GAME: The PawSox got the leadoff man on in four of the first seven innings, leading to runs three times. Chris Carter walked to open the second and scored on a two-out double by Bryan Pritz. Jeff Bailey singled to start the sixth. Jed Lowrie doubled into the left-field corner to score Bailey. Carter and Keith Ginter followed Lowrie with singles to push the lead to 3-0. Chad Spann singled to start the seventh and Van Every followed with a two-run homer.

AWARD WINNER: Joe Thurston was named IL Batter of the Week Monday then went out and was 4-for-5 with three runs in Monday’s 9-6 victory. Manager Ron Johnson was able to give him a day off yesterday. Thurston hit .345 with three homers and 12 RBI in the week ending June 15.

POWERFUL ROTATION: The IronPigs faced a sequence of four starters seldom put together in Class AAA. With Clay Buchholz (1-1, 2.45) getting extended minor-league time after a rehab assignment and Daisuke Matsuzaka (8-0, 2.45 with the Red Sox) getting a rehab start, they were able to add to a strong one-two punch. David Pauley (8-2, 3.89) and Zink (8-2, 2.14) are tied for third in the league in wins. “Charlie had command of his knuckle ball early and then, in the at-bats when he did fall behind, he was not afraid to throw his other stuff,” Johnson said.

DAY OFF: The PawSox have their only scheduled day off of the month today. They open an eight-game homestand tomorrow against Columbus.