earned Game 1 start

PORTLAND, MAINE - Sowers a quick study,

It is Jeremy Sowers' first professional season, but you'd never know
it by the way the left-hander has handled himself.

The Indians' first pick in the 2004 draft (sixth overall) out of
Vanderbilt started his career at Kinston in high Class A, was promoted
to Double-A in June and then became the Aeros' ace.

His combined 149 strikeouts and 2.37 ERA led the Tribe farm system.
His ERA ranked seventh among all minor-league pitchers.

Sowers being the Game 1 starter against the Portland Sea Dogs in the
Eastern League Championship Series on Tuesday should come as no surprise.

The Indians think so much of Sowers' ability, they challenged him with
a spot start at Triple-A Buffalo just before the playoffs began.

``Getting that experience early in my career will only help me,'' said
Sowers, who won that spot start. ``The main difference was the hitters
there are extremely disciplined.''

Sowers noted that while he can usually put away a batter facing an 0-2
count with a fastball in the dirt, that didn't necessarily work at
Buffalo.

``In Triple-A, the hitters are smarter,'' he said. ``They recognize
the pitch right away, track it and lay off. So you have to put your
pitches in closer, more dangerous places.''

UP NEXT -- Portland (Boston Red Sox) hosts the Aeros again at 6
tonight at Hadlock Field for Game 2 of the ELCS. Aeros left-hander
Rafael Perez (4-3, 1.76 ERA) will face Sea Dogs right-handed
knuckleballer Charlie Zink (8-5, 4.87 ERA).

STEPHANIE STORM