August 3, 2007 at 5:20 AM
Pitcher of the Month, July: Masterson
Portland RHP Justin Masterson followed up his sizzingly hot June performance with a July in which he allowed as many earned runs as games he started, five, and was again named SoxProspects.com Pitcher of the Month for July. In five July starts Masterson compiled a 4-0 record allowing five ER on 15 hits over 33 IP, a 1.36 ERA and holding opponents to a .134 average, while striking out 35 and walking eight. Masterson was promoted to AA Portland after pitching Lancaster to victory in their July 4, helping to earn them the first-half California League South Division title. Each of Masterson's starts with Portland would qualify as quality starts as in each he has pitched a minimum of six innings and allowed fewer than three earned runs (he twice allowed two ER).