PawSox Lose to Wings, Still Gain Playoff Berth

For the first time since 2003 the Pawtucket Red Sox will be playing in the Governor's Cup Playoffs.

The PawSox lost last night's game to the Rochester Red Wings, 4-3, but secured the playoff spot as a result of Toledo's 6-1 loss to Richmond.

Last night's game was a tough one for Pawtucket to lose, as they saw an early 3-0 lead evaporate when Rochester scored three runs in the bottom of the seventh. PawSox starter Michael Bowden began the frame by allowing a double to left by LF Bobby Kielty. Two batters later SS Trevor Plouffe knocked in Kielty with a single to center. Kyle Snyder replaced Bowden and served up a two run homer to 2B Matt Macri, costing Bowden a chance for his first Triple A win.

The PawSox broke out of the gate fast in this game, scoring a pair of runs in the first on a Jason Lane two-run homer and another in the second on an RBI single by Josh Wilson.

For the game the PawSox collected 7 hits. Jeff Corsaletti had three of them, including a triple. Wilson added two. Plouffe and Macri added two hits each for the Wings.

Bowden again pitched well but did not figure in the decision. He gave up three runs on six hits in his 6 1/3 innings of work. He struck out six and did not walk a batter. Snyder (1-4) was saddled with the loss.

Rochester starter Brian Bass made his Red Wings debut, going four innings, giving up three runs on four hits. He walked two and struck out three. Mariano Gomez (5-2) picked-up the win in relief.

The PawSox now head to Allentown, PA to begin a four game series this evening (5:35 pm) with the Lehigh Valley Iron Pigs. Charlie Zink (13-5) will pitch for Pawtucket. He'll be opposed by Carlos Carrasco (1-2) for the Iron Pigs.

NOTES- Scranton/Wilkes Barre defeated Lehigh Valley 4-0 last night and have extended its lead in the IL North Division over the PawSox to 3 1/2 games. The chances of the PawSox taking the division crown are slipping away as the Pawtucket has only 8 games remaining to play.

David Pauley has been promoted to Boston following the placement of reliever David Aardsma on the 15-day disabled list. No word on who in the PawSox staff will assume Pauley's next start in the rotation.

PawSox outfielder Jonathan Van Every returned to the line-up yesterday after missing the last three games with a stiff neck. In his first game back Van Every went 0 for 2 with a walk.


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