PawSox, Bowden Fall to Clippers 4-1

It's been rare to see the PawSox offense struggle. But that's what happened last night as three Columbus pitchers combined to limit Pawtucket to only five hits in the Clippers' 4-1 win at Cooper Stadium.

The PawSox scored an unearned run in the third, thanks to the hustle of outfielder Sean Danielson. With one out Danielson singled, stole second and advanced to third on a throwing error by Columbus catcher Luke Montz. He scored two batters alter on a Joe Thurston sacrifice fly.

Danielson and Chris Carter had two hits each for the PawSox.

Last night was the Triple A debut for Red Sox pitching prospect Michael Bowden (0-1). He struggled right out of the gate, giving up three runs over his first two innings of work. Bowden finished working four innings, giving up three runs on seven hits. He struck out four and walked no one. He threw 84 pitches, 57 for strikes.

Michael Tejera and Eric Hull pitched a combined four innings of relief, with Hull surrendering a run to the Clippers in the bottom of the seventh.

The Clippers received a stellar pitching performance out of starter Garrett Mock (6-3). In picking up the win Mock went seven innings, giving up an unearned run on five hits. He walked one and struck out six.

Relievers Ryan Wagner and Chris Schroder pitched the final two innings without yielding a Pawtucket hit.

Columbus lead-off man Jorge Padilla collected three hits to pace the Clippers offense. Roger Bernadina and Leonard Davis added two hits apiece.

With the loss, and another Scranton/Wilkes Barre win, the PawSox are only 1 1/2 games up on the Yankees in the IL North Division.

Game two of the four game series is tonight (7:05pm). RHP Edgar Martinez (4-1, 3.96) will start for the PawSox. He'll be opposed by RHP Sharon Martis (0-2, 3.60) for the Clippers.

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