With their third win in a row, the Boise Hawks have moved into first-place by themselves in the Northwest League’s East Division for the first time since the final game of the 2006 season (when Boise claimed the Eastern Division title).  The Hawks had a late season rally in 2007 to tie Spokane atop the division, and were tied for the division lead after Opening Day in 2008 – but haven’t been to the top since.

Not bad for the team that currently sits last in the league in batting average, earned run average, and fielding percentage.

The big blow was a three-run triple by Alvaro Ramirez (pictured left) off of Eugene starter Matt Lollis – who had started the 2010 season by throwing 16 2/3 innings of shutout ball.  The Hawks bullpen continued their strong performance, extending a streak of innings without allowing an earned run to 21 – thanks to efforts from Danny Keefe, Aaron Kurcz, and Corey Martin.  The Hawks are now 5-2 on the road this season and are a perfect 7-0 when the crowd numbers 2,300 fans or less (they are 0-5 in games with crowd’s larger).

LET’S HEAR FROM THE PLAYERS:  I have had the opportunity to talk with five players during the first two weeks of the season on Hawkstown Tonight – and the following are the full-length interviews with the players. 
Corey Martin (MartinINT.wma), John Mincone
 (MinconeINT.wma), Brandon May  (
MayINT.wma), Tarlandus Mitchell (
MitchellINT.wma), Eric Jokisch  (
JokischINT.wma).

AND FROM THE COACHES:  Here are interviews I conducted with skipper Jody Davis (
JodyINT.wma
) and Minor League Pitching Coordinator Mark Riggins (
RigginsINT.wma
).

AHEAD: The Hawks return home on Thursday to meet the Yakima Bears, and will have lefty Austin Kirk on the mound to start the series opener against the Diamondbacks affiliate.