•HIGHLIGHTS: Bartolo Colon closed out the regular season with the PawSox by turning in a solid six-inning performance yesterday. It’s likely he could pitch again for Pawtucket in the playoffs, possibly in Game Four on Saturday in Scranton. The veteran right-hander, who has spent most of the season in Pawtucket rehabbing a series of injuries, allowed only one run on four hits with one walk and one strikeout. He threw 66 pitches (48 strikes) and his velocity topped out at 91 mph. “I was very pleased with him, as I think he is,” said PawSox manager Ron Johnson. “I don’t worry about the velocity with a guy like that because, you know, no matter what it was today, when he goes to the big leagues it’ll probably bump up a little bit. I was pleased with everything today.” … Jeff Natale had an outstanding day at the plate for the PawSox. He had three hits and three RBI, including a two-run homer in the third inning. Teammate Keith Ginter had two hits, two RBI and scored twice.

•KEY OF THE GAME: The PawSox pounded the IronPigs for five runs in the bottom of the fourth inning en route to a 7-0 advantage. Ginter provided a two-run single while Sean Danielson, Josh Wilson and Jason Lane added an RBI each in the inning.

•MR. .300: Prior to yesterday’s game, the PawSox’ Chris Carter had a .300 batting average and told Johnson he wanted to finish the regular season at that mark or higher. “We’re going Ted Williams on this thing,” Johnson told Carter. “I want 6-for-8.” Carter was 1-for-4 heading into the eighth inning and knew he needed a hit to keep his average at .300, so prior to his next at-bat he was in the clubhouse pacing back and forth when Johnson walked in and told him, “Your season comes down to one at-bat. You have to come through.” The manager, however, had already decided to pinch-hit for Carter so he could finish the regular season with a .300 average. So, just before Carter was about to step into the batter’s box, Johnson called him back and replaced him with Gil Velazquez. Carter’s teammates congratulated him. Joe Thurston was the only other PawSox player to hit .300 or better this season.

•NOTES: Pitching prospect Michael Bowden will work two innings of relief for the PawSox in Game Three of the playoffs on Friday. He’s scheduled to throw only 35 pitches. The Boston organization is trying to limit the number of innings the 21-year-old pitches this season. … The Red Sox’ Double-A affiliate in Portland has made the Eastern League playoffs for the fourth consecutive season. The Sea Dogs will face Trenton (Yankees) in the first round, beginning tomorrow in New Jersey.

•UP NEXT: The PawSox will begin the Governors’ Cup playoffs tomorrow at McCoy Stadium against Scranton, another Yankees affiliate. It’s a best-of-five series against the Yanks, with the first two games in Pawtucket. Charlie Zink (14-6, 2.84) will start Game One and Devern Hansack (6-10, 4.08) will get the ball for Game Two.