The Pawtucket Red Sox are one step closer to building a dynasty.
The PawSox won their second International League championship in three years Saturday by defeating the Durham Bulls 4-1 in Game 5 of the teams’ Governors’ Cup finals series. The title further shows the strength of the Boston Red Sox’s farm system despite a difficult season for the major league club.
Rusney Castillo, who signed a seven-year, $72.5 million contract with Boston last month, went 2-for-4 with two doubles, a walk, a run scored and a stolen base in Pawtucket’s series clincher. The 27-year-old Cuban outfielder is expected to join the Red Sox on Tuesday.
Keith Couch, who recently was promoted to Triple-A during Castillo’s brief stint with Double-A Portland, was tremendous. He tossed 6 2/3 shutout innings, allowing one hit and two walks while striking out four.
Ryan Lavarnway, Bryce Brentz and Garin Cecchini each collected two hits. Lavarnway blasted a solo homer in the fifth inning and was named the 2014 Governors’ Cup Finals MVP. Lavarnway was 10-for-22 in the five-game series.
The PawSox will play the Pacific Coast League champions in the Triple-A National Championship Game on Tuesday in Charlotte, N.C.
Photo via Twitter/@Jared_Carrabis
