Today in the Minors: Polanco Rehabs, Cosart Shines
By: Bryan Sheehan
Coming into the game with a five game winning streak and
six wins in their last seven games, the IronPigs (62-44) seemed to have
everything going for them against the Pawtucket RedSox (59-47). The 'Pigs
started the all-too-familiar Scott Mathieson (0-1, 2.85 ERA) against Matt Fox
(6-4, 4.82) in what would turn out to be an old fashioned pitcher's duel. Both
starters went six innings, each giving up one run ( A Brandon Moss homerun (19)
gave the 'Pigs their sole run). Mathieson looked solid, striking out a pair and
only allowing five hits and four walks. The game was lost in the eighth inning,
when reliever Justin de Fratus (2-1, 4.70) gave up a leadoff double to Lars
Anderson, who eventually reached third base on a fielder's choice, and
then threw a wild pitch, allowing Anderson to score. The 'Pigs could not get
any offense together, stranding seven men on base throughout the game.
Placido Polanco had an uneventful start, going 0-2 with
a walk batting in the two-spot and playing third base. Polanco was lifted from
the game in favor of pinch runner Brian Bocock in the bottom of the sixth
inning. Polanco looked solid in the field, making a fly-ball out on the only
ball hit to him during the game. "I felt really good," said a pain-free Polanco, "I'm so happy. I feel like I can breath again." He has another start with Lehigh Valley
tomorrow, game time is 7:05 against Pawtucket.
Turning to Clearwater,
prized prospect Jarred Cosart picked up his ninth win (9-8, 3.92) with a
six-hit seven inning performance. The Threshers (56-47) won the game 3-1 over
the Bradenton Marauders (49-56), with RBIs coming from the bottom third of the
order. Other top prospects, outfielder Jiwan James and first baseman Jon
Singleton both pulled oh-fors, with James going 0-4 and Singleton going 0-3.
In other Minors news, the Blueclaws
lost to West Virginia 10-5, the R-Phillies won 6-1 over division-leaders New
Hampshire, and the Crosscutters won 2-1 over Vermont.