The Portland Sea Dogs showed off two more pitching prospects of the Boston Red Sox this afternoon, in a 4-1 Portland win over New Britain.

Michael Bowden pitched a 1-hitter over seven innings. The one hit allowed was an infield single on a close play in the second inning. Bowden struck out five and retired the last 17 batters he faced.

Bowden's "heavy fastball" was working as New Britain got few hard hits against him. He did not walk a batter.

Bowden, 21, has seen teammates Clay Buchholz and Justin Masterson make it to the majors. He believes he is close.

"I know my stuff is going to play at the major league level," Bowden said. "I know it's not too far away. I just have to keep throwing the way I've been throwing, and things will take care of itself."

Bard, 23, promoted to Portland last week, made his Hadlock Field debut, allowing one hit over two innings for the save. He struck out two, including the final batter on a 99 m.p.h. fastball.

Now for the plug: You can read more on Bard in Sunday's www.pressherald.com site.

In other Sea Dogs news: Zach Daeges singled in the sixth to extend his on-base streak to 24 games ... First baseman/catcher Sandy Madera came backto Portland from Pawtucket, presumably to make room for first-baseman/outfielder Brandon Moss to be activated from the disabled list ... To make room for Madera in Portland, outfielder Jered Stanley was sent to Class A Greenville.

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