Middlebrooks Powers PawSox Past Red Wings

A three run homer by Will Middlebrooks in the sixth inning was the difference as the PawSox topped the Red Wings 4-3 on Friday night in Rochester. Trailing 3-1, Jose Iglesias walked and Daniel Nava was hit by a pitch to set the stage for Middlebrooks. Carlos Gutierrez surrendered the blast and took the loss to fall to 1-1. Alex Hassan, who was 0-17 this season, registered his first three hits of the year. Hassan was a last minute addition to the lineup, when Che Hsuan Lin was scratched.

Aaron Cook was a winner for the second straight outing. Cook (2-0) allowed 3 runs (2 earned), fanning three. Junichi Tazawa had a stellar relief appearance. Tazawa struck out 4 in two scoreless innings of relief. Clayton Mortensen was equally effective out of the bullpen, earning the save with a pair of shutout innings.Mortensen struck out three. The PawSox bullpen has not given up a run in 19 and a third innings.

The PawSox took two of three in the series to improve to 5-4 for the year. The club heads west to Buffalo for a two game series that begins on Saturday afternoon at 1:05 p.m. Alex Wilson (0-0, 1.80) faces lefty Garrett Olson of the Bisons (0-0, 1.50).