Playoff Bound!

They didn't get in with a win, which is what everybody seems to prefer to do, but the Portland Sea Dogs clinched their first playoff appearance in 8 years when New Britain lost to Akron last night. The Sea Dogs lost their contest with Altoona 5-3, but still edged closer to clinching the division when Trenton also lost last night. Portland's magic number to win the EL North and secure the home field advantage (?) now sits at two. If the Sea Dogs win and the Thunder lose today, Portland will win its first division title since 1997.

(The question mark above refers to the fact that the Sea Dogs have a losing record at home this season, at 33-34. They are 40-30 on the road. They might just be better off by finishing second!)

The Sea Dogs suffered another potential blow to their pitching staff, when starter Kason Gabbard was unable to come out for the second inning. According to manager Todd Claus, Gabbard had a knot in his arm and he was taken out for precautionary reasons. Gabbard now joins Anibal Sanchez, Craig Hansen and Edgar Martinez as guys who aren't hurt, but who also aren't pitching for "precautionary reasons". Better safe than sorry, but it would be nice to have some more arms available going into the playoffs.

Brandon Moss is hot again. He collected three hits last night and is 9-12 over his last three games.