How did you like Brandon Moss' at-bat, with one out in the ninth inning Wednesday night?

Moss had struck out previously, swinging wildly at two low curveballs. This time, he stayed away from the curve, worked the count to his favor and singled to center.

It might have been the game-winning hit, were it not for a good throw, good block of the plate and (maybe) a better jump off second from pinch runner Jed Lowrie.

Still, the hit kept the inning going, and Jason Varitek came up next and got the GWRBI.

Jacoby Ellsbury reportedly will play today after sitting with a sore groin muscle. But Coco Crisp is now limping. So Moss should stay in the lineup.

In the minors ...

Pawtucket's Charlie Zink (3-1, 2.26) pitched six strong innings (4 H, 1 ER, 2 BB, 2 K) ... Chris Smith (1.50 ERA) got his first save with three innings work (1 H, 4 K). In 24 innings, Smith has 22 K, 6 BB.

Portland's Justin Masterson had a rough re-entry into the minors (3 1/3 IP, 4 R, 5 H, 3 BB, 5K), but two relievers stayed hot. Jose Vaquedano (0.51 ERA) and Hunter Jones (1.08) combined for three innings of shutout relief.

In Greenville, Daniel Bard finished his excellent April with 2 more innings of scoreless relief (2 H, 1 BB, 5 K). His totals: 20 IP, 0 R, 32 K, 4 BB, opponents' batting average of .123).

Before you buy that condo in Fort Myers, Fla., dreaming of spring training with the Red Sox ... According to a story in Wednesday's Ballpark Digest, the Red Sox are exploring a move of their spring training base from Fort Myers to Sarasota, beginning in 2012.

One story I saw said the Red Sox could then move their advanced Class A team to the Florida State League, but the Sox have purchased a team in the Carolina League and will move from Lancaster to Salem, Va. next year.

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