DOUBLE-A
EASTERN LEAGUE
In the one-game playoff to decide who moved into the postseason, Portland defeated New Hampshire, 7-4, and will have the chance to defend their 2006 EL title.

Third baseman Andrew Pinckney hit two homers–both off Fisher Cats starter Kyle Yates–and outfielder Jeff Corsaletti went 4-for-5 with a homer and three runs scored.

Yates allowed five runs on eight hits in just 3 1/3 innings, and shortstop Sergio Santos was the lone hitter in New Hampshire’s lineup to record a multi-hit game.

The Sea Dogs move on to face Trenton, who won the Northern Division by 12 1/2 games.

HIGH CLASS A
FLORIDA STATE LEAGUE
The first round of the postseason began Tuesday in the FSL with a pair of shutouts, as St. Lucie blanked Brevard County, 8-0, and Sarasota defeated Clearwater, 2-0.

Mets lefthander Jon Niese and Reds righthander Ben Jukich were the difference-makers for their clubs, as both starters had quality outings.

Niese, a 2005 seventh-round pick, allowed just one hit over six innings, striking out nine. Jukich, a 13th-round pick of the Athletics in 2006 who came over to Cincinnati in the Chris Denorfia deal, tossed seven no-hit innings, walked two and struck out five.