Red Sox minor lines: The postseason begins

Pawtucket W 2-1 (In 10)

Jackie Bradley Jr.: 0-5, 2 K
Bryce Brentz: 3-5, 2B
Travis Shaw: 2-3, HR, 2 BB, K
Garin Cecchini: 1-5, K
Alex Hassan: 1-2, K
Blake Swihart: 3-4
Deven Marrero: 0-2, BB, K

Edwin Escobar: 8.2 IP, 6 H, 1 R, 1 ER, 0 BB, 7 K, 1 HR, E
Heath Hembree: 1.1 IP, 0 H, 0 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 1 K

The last start of the season was a terrible mess for Edwin Escobar, but clearly he hasn't let it get to him. A dominant performance on about as big a stage as the minor leagues provides.

Travis Shaw, on the other hand, endured a mess of a month, with a .591 OPS taking the wind right out of his sails after a dominant July. A nice playoff performance would help to wash the sour taste from that finish away, though there are more deep-seated doubts about his status as a prospect than just what August has dredged up.

Portland L 5-8

Rusney Castillo: 1-3, SB
Sean Coyle: 1-4, HR, K, E
Keury De La Cruz: 1-4, 2 K

Brian Johnson: 7 IP, 6 H, 2 R, 2 ER, 1 BB, 8 K
Noe Ramirez: 1.1 IP, 2 H, 3 R, 0 ER, 0 BB, 2 K, 1 HR

The last time Johnson allowed two or more earned runs? July 7th! The Sea Dogs somehow managed to turn this performance into a loss, but still, what a ridiculous season he's had to remind everyone he was a first-round pick.

Salem W 3-1

Carlos Asuaje: 1-4, BB
Manuel Margot: 1-4, 2B, K
Cole Sturgeon: 1-4, 2B, K

How bizarre is it that Salem, so boring for most of the season, is not only in the playoffs, but now up 1-0 in their opening series despite another set of lackluster performances? They just get the job done, I guess.