Nos. 2, 3 prospects make successful jump to Triple-A

The battery of left-hander Henry Owens and catcher Blake Swihart, the Red Sox's Nos. 2 and 3 prospects, made its Triple-A debut Monday and the duo helped Pawtucket defeat Columbus, 5-0.

Owens and Swihart, ranked Nos. 23 and 27 on MLBPipeline.com's Top 100 Prospects list, began the season with Double-A Portland, where they excelled in the first four months of the season. Both earned a spot in last month's Eastern League All-Star Game and the Red Sox promoted them together for Monday's game.

They began their Triple-A careers in style, as Owens carried a no-hitter into the sixth inning. It ended when Indians No. 1 prospect Francisco Lindor hit a one-out single through the left side of the infield.

Owens finished his night with 6 2/3 scoreless innings. He struck out nine batters and held the Clippers to two hits and three walks. He threw 100 pitches.

With the victory, Owens improved to 15-4 with a 2.47 ERA this season. He has struck out 135 batters and walked 50 in 127 2/3 innings. He leads all Minor Leaguers in wins and ranks fourth in strikeouts.

Owens and Swihart are no strangers to no-hitters. Swihart caught Owens' rain-shortened, six-inning no-hitter on Opening Day this year and a combined no-hitter last year at Class A Advanced Salem that was started by Owens. The pair has also teamed up for several close calls in the last two years.

While Swihart had a good night defensively, he went 0-for-3 at the plate.