Schilling Strong In 3rd Rehab Start

Tuesday, July 31st 2007, 9:52 pm

By: News On 6

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) _ Curt Schilling pitched seven scoreless innings Tuesday night in his third rehab start for AAA Pawtucket, putting himself in position to rejoin the Boston rotation this weekend.

Schilling allowed four hits, struck out four and did not walk a batter against the Columbus Clippers. The right-hander threw 60 of his 77 pitches for strikes.

After the game, Schilling said he was ready to end his minor league rehab stint and pitch again for the Red Sox.

``I want to be in Boston,'' he said. ``I answered every question I could answer. I'm healthy, I feel good, I feel strong and I'm ready to go back and help them win games.''

He expects to start Sunday in Seattle or Monday at the Los Angeles Angels.

``These innings don't count toward trying to win a pennant,'' he said. ``It starts counting again on Sunday or Monday.''

Schilling appeared ready to face major league batters. He changed speeds effectively against Columbus and, despite saying afterward that he was disappointed with his splitter, showed complete command.

``We threw a lot of strikes with a lot of different pitches tonight and got some quick outs,'' he said.

Schilling hasn't pitched for Boston in more than a month. Shoulder tendinitis forced him to the disabled list June 22, four days after he gave up six runs in 4 1-3 innings against the Atlanta Braves.

In three rehab starts against International League hitters, Schilling struck out 18 and did not allow an earned run in 15 innings for Pawtucket.